Easy Fresh Tomato Marinara Sauce

Amazing sauce doesn't have to be complicated. This easy fresh tomato marinara sauce is super simple but exploding with flavor!

This post was originally published on September 9, 2016.

Everyone needs a quick and easy go to marinara. And this fresh tomato marinara is definitely at the top of my list. Serve it over pasta, mixed with spaghetti squash or even as a dip for crusty baked bread!

Fresh Tomato Marinara

I love having a good tomato sauce at my fingertips, they are so versatile and everyone in my family loves them. Well, except for the "I only like some tomatoes" 5 year old, but he doesn't count.

I often make a boatload and freeze it for those nights I need a fast and healthy dinner. Boil pasta, defrost sauce, a side of broccoli. Boom. Dinner done.

What is the difference between tomato sauce and marinara sauce?

Both of these terms are often used to mean the same thing. However you can also buy "tomato sauce" at the store in a can. Which is literally pureed tomatoes.

To make it even more confusing, tomato sauce in Italy can mean any sauce made from tomatoes and other things. Where as marinara is always just a basic tomato based sauce with only a few ingredients.

What are the best tomatoes for marinara sauce?

Many people say that using a tomato with less water content and seeds leads to a more flavorful sauce. However, I tend to go with the most fresh and flavorful.

There is a huge difference between tomatoes that have been sitting in a truck for weeks versus local ones that you buy soon after harvest.

San Marzano tomatoes are well known for their amazing rich juicy flavor. But since I don't live in Italy, and those aren't easily found here, I usually go for whatever vine ripened tomatoes I can find.

Roma tomatoes are another flavorful variety that is great for sauce. I find these much easier, and if they are fresh, they are great!

Make sure you weigh the tomatoes versus going by number since size can really vary. This recipe calls for 2 pounds, which is about 8 averaged sized tomatoes.

Do I have to peel tomatoes for sauce?

I never peel my tomatoes. But I don't mind the tiny bit of texture they give. If you want a super smooth sauce then you will want to peel them.

How long does fresh marinara sauce last?

Since you still cook the tomatoes, fresh marinara lasts just as long as any tomato sauce. It's best stored in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 5-7 days. However you can also freeze it for long term storage!

Freezing tips

Here are my best tips for freezing sauce so it stays fresh and freezer burn free:

1. Before freezing, make sure the sauce has cooled completely.
2. Then put it in a freeze safe air tight container.
3. Use a piece of plastic wrap to cover the sauce, making a seal right on the top.
4. Cover with the lid and it's ready to go!

I like to freeze it in a serving size for my family so I can quickly grab, defrost and use.

How to make tomato sauce from scratch

1. Blend ingredients into blender or food processor.
2. Simmer in a pot and serve!

See, easy! All you need is to cook your favorite pasta and serve. I even use this for casseroles and whenever I make lasagna. It's so flavorful and so awesome to have on hand, so make a double batch and freeze!

Tips for making in a crockpot

While I have a slow cooker marinara sauce on this site, you can make this one in a crockpot as well.

1. Blend like above.
2. Put in a slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours.
3. You can taste at 1 hour to see if you like it, it gets better with time.

Recipes that use marinara

The best thing about marinara is how versatile it is! Here are some of my favorite recipes:

• Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Bowls
• Veggie lasagna
• Vegan creamy lasagna with sausage and pesto
• Stuffed Shells
• Zucchini Ravioli
• Pizza Burrito (as a sub for pizza sauce)
• Pasta bake
• Sweet potato gnocchi
• On pizzas
• Over pasta
• As a dip for vegan meatballs
• As a dip for bread

You can also use it as a topping on the following:

• Lentil Veggie Burgers
• Vegan Meatball Sandwich