Best Big-Batch Tomato Sauce
A hearty, flavorful tomato sauce with sweet carrots, green peppers, and aromatic herbs, perfect for pasta, pizza, or Italian-inspired dishes, suitable for large batches and freezing.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 3 medium onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 3 large carrots, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 12 pounds tomatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In an 8-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the salad oil.
- Cook onions, carrots, green peppers, and garlic until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, oregano, basil, and pepper.
- Heat to boiling over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during cooking. If you want a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking. Substituting honey for brown sugar can add a different sweetness. If you're short on time, using canned tomatoes instead of fresh is a great shortcut. This sauce can be used in various Italian recipes, including lasagna and pizza.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, meatballs, or use it as a base for stews. It pairs beautifully with Easy Pasta Salad or Cold Linguini Salad for a refreshing side. For a heartier meal, combine with crusty bread and a simple green salad. The sauce is versatile and can elevate any Italian dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This sauce also makes a fantastic base for meaty spaghetti sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Big-Batch Tomato Sauce contains roughly 419 calories, with 7g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (284% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you'll need about 12 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Make sure to peel and dice them properly, as the cooking time may vary slightly. Using fresh tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your sauce, making it even more delicious.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your sauce, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the vegetables. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
What can I do with leftover tomato sauce?
Leftover tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a base for soups, such as meaty minestrone, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It also freezes well, so consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy future meals. This way, you can always have a homemade sauce on hand.
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).