Marinara Sauce is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine, and when it comes to marinara, there's no substitute for homemade! This easy recipe combines San Marzano tomatoes with onions, garlic, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs in a flavorful sauce that will take any dish to the next level.

When it comes to any pasta dish, we all know that sauce is boss. A good sauce makes all the difference, and it has the power to  transform basic noodles into a gourmet dinner.

Of course, when it comes to sauce... homemade is ALWAYS best. And this Homemade Marinara Sauce does not disappoint. Made with a simple combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs, it's bright, fresh, and SO delicious.

I've definitely tried my fair share of store bought marinara sauces over the years, and aside from never having quite the right flavor, they also tend to have tons of added sugar. Which is the last thing I'm looking for in a pasta sauce... and the exact reason I added shredded carrots to mine. Between the carrots and the caramelized tomato paste, this marinara has just the right amount of sweetness... without any added sugar!

Best of all, you don't have to spend all day making it. This sauce is ready in just 30 minutes. And once you try it... you'll never go store bought again.

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

Tomatoes - As the main ingredient in this recipe, high quality tomatoes are a MUST. I used San Marzano, which are a type of plum tomatoes known for their balanced flavor that combines sweetness, intensity, and just the right amount of acid. For texture purposes I used a combination of whole and crushed tomatoes. I also added a touch of tomato paste for extra richness.

Garlic - This recipe calls for 4-6 cloves of garlic. As always, fresh is best!

Onion - I use 1 whole yellow onion in my marinara sauce. Feel free to substitute white or Vidalia if you prefer.

Carrots - Shredded carrots add just the right amount of balance and sweetness to the sauce and eliminate the need to add sugar. I used ½ cup of finely shredded carrots. (Hint: the more finely you shred them, the less noticeable they'll be!)

Herbs - I used fresh basil and oregano for an extra pop of flavor. I always love using fresh herbs, but you can substitute dried if you prefer.

Seasonings - Between the tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, and fresh herbs... the only extra seasonings this sauce needs are salt and pepper. 

Olive Oil - I used 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. Don't skimp on the oil... it adds delicious flavor to the sauce!

How to make Homemade Marinara Sauce

Saute the vegetables - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan on medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and saute 3-5 minutes, until tender.

Add the tomato paste - Add the tomato paste to the saucepan and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to caramelize. This caramelization process concentrates the natural sugars in the paste and enhances the complexity of the sauce.

Add the remaining ingredients - To the same pan, add the tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and ½ cup water. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a low boil.

Simmer - Reduce the heat to simmer; simmer the sauce for at least 30 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to crush tomatoes to desired consistency.

Recipe variations

• Substitute any variety of tomatoes (whole, diced, crushed) 
• Add additional garlic cloves according to taste
• Substitute 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar for the shredded carrots
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Use additional fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley
• Add additional vegetables to the onion, garlic & carrot mixture (e.g. mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini)

Recipes using Marinara Sauce

• Zucchini Lasagna
• Baked Spaghetti
• Turkey Meatballs
• Manicotti
• Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches
• Lasagna Stuffed Eggplant
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole