All-Purpose Tomato Sauce
A versatile and flavorful tomato sauce with a rich tomato paste base, perfect for pasta, lasagna, or Sloppy Joes, customizable with your choice of meat and pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato paste, water, minced onion, oregano, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavors meld.
- Use on spaghetti, lasagna, or Sloppy Joes by adding your preferred meat and pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato paste. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it after cooking. You can substitute fresh herbs for oregano; basil or thyme work well. Also, feel free to add garlic or bell peppers for extra depth. This sauce is versatile enough to be used in Italian recipes like Spaghetti Or Lasagna Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, lasagna, or Sloppy Joes. Serve it over your favorite pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or alongside garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, mix in ground beef or turkey. It also complements a simple side salad, enhancing the overall dining experience with fresh flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help restore the sauce's consistency if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of All-Purpose Tomato Sauce contains roughly 163 calories, with 6g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (107% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 526mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you'll need to cook them down longer to achieve a similar consistency. About 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes should suffice. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the saucepan, adjusting the water accordingly to avoid a watery sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicy?
To add some heat to your sauce, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, allowing the flavors to meld during the simmering process. This will give your sauce a nice kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This All-Purpose Tomato Sauce is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It’s a great option for vegan recipes, and you can enhance its flavor by adding more vegetables or using vegetable broth instead of water for added depth.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).