Italian Tomato Sauce
A hearty and flavorful Italian tomato sauce featuring crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, perfect for serving over your favorite pasta. Versatile and customizable, it suits both meat lovers and those seeking a low-cholesterol option, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil.
- Add chopped green pepper and onion; cook until softened.
- Add meat (hamburger or turkey); saute until browned.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Season with salt and pepper; add water as needed.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours.
- Serve over your favorite pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and thyme to the sauce. If you're looking to reduce cholesterol, substituting turkey for hamburger works wonderfully. Fresh tomatoes can also be used; just blanch and peel them before cooking. Adjust the water based on desired sauce thickness. This sauce can also be used for other Italian recipes, like a base for Easy-Cheesy Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Tomato Sauce pairs beautifully over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad and garlic bread. You can also use this sauce as a topping for Italian Hot Dish or as a base for Ceasario'S Homemade Pizza Bread for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water to help regain the desired consistency and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Tomato Sauce contains roughly 310 calories, with 13g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2255mg per serving (98% 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 canned?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh tomatoes! Blanch them briefly, peel off the skin, and chop them up before adding to the sauce. You'll need about 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace the canned variety. This will give your sauce a bright and vibrant flavor.
How can I thicken my tomato sauce?
To thicken your sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period, allowing excess water to evaporate. If you're in a hurry, you can add a small amount of tomato paste or cornstarch mixed with water. Both methods will help achieve a thicker consistency without compromising the flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This sauce freezes very well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To enjoy later, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed.
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).