Make Your Own Homemade Decent Marinara Sauce in Minutes With Just a Few Pantry Staples!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
There are a handful of recipes I rely on in real life more than I ever expected, and this simple pantry marinara sauce has become one of them.
I love sharing the easy peasy recipes that make a real difference in our home as a military family on a budget. I am always trying to balance feeding my people well with keeping our grocery bill low while working through baby step 2.
A homemade meal that saves money and still tastes amazing feels like such a win in this season of life! So any time I can save a few dollars and still make something we genuinely enjoy, I feel like I’m winning at this homemaker thing.
And that is exactly where this little marinara sauce comes in.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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Our family loves Italian food but we do not have the budget to grab takeout very often. We missed the simplicity of Little Caesars Crazy Bread and that little marinara cup that tasted nostalgic and a bit sweet. It became one of those cravings we kept wanting to recreate.
I’ve shared our easy Spicy Crazy Bread Recipe before, but today I wanted to take you along in the kitchen to show you how we make our favorite homemade pantry friendly marinara sauce.
It uses basic ingredients I always have on hand in the pantry, fridge or freezer, takes minutes to pull together and tastes miles better than the jarred stuff.
Of course this is not the long simmered kind where an Italian nonna crushes tomatoes by hand and stirs for hours, but it does hit that sweet spot of quick, cheap and delicious.
It is the sauce we use when we want pasta bowls, pizza dips, mozzarella stick dips or even just a little something warm to serve with garlic bread.
And it might sound like an odd addition, but please do not skip the balsamic vinegar. We tried so many homemade marinara recipes and something always felt a little flat until we added that splash of balsamic.
It balances the acidity of the tomatoes, works beautifully with the sugar at the end and gives the whole sauce this lovely depth. It tastes simple but feels special.
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So grab your saucepan and join me for a few minutes. You’re about to make the easiest and most reliable marinara sauce you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation!
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Silicone spatula or spoon (avoid wood or white as tomato sauce can stain)
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
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Ingredients
serves 4 to 6
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup frozen diced onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (we use jarred garlic)
- 2 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried basil
- One 24 – 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
Note: Olive oil and butter are often paired in sauces like this. The butter helps prevent burning and adds richness while the olive oil brings flavor. Frozen diced onion works beautifully here because it softens quickly and blends right in.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Build the base
Add the butter, olive oil and onions to your saucepan. Warm over medium heat until the onions soften and the butter melts, about 3 – 5 minutes.
Step 2. Bloom the spices
Add the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes and basil. Cook for about 1 minute to wake up the flavors. Stir constantly so the garlic does not burn.
Step 3. Add tomatoes and simmer
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Turn the heat down low and place the lid slightly ajar so the sauce does not sputter everywhere. Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4. Finish and balance
Stir in the sugar and balsamic vinegar.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and serve.
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- Sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes and creates that classic pizzeria style sweetness.
- Frozen onion melts into the sauce and saves prep time.
- Balsamic vinegar adds depth without making it taste vinegary.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too acidic: add a tiny pinch more sugar.
- Sauce too thick: add a splash of water.
- Sauce too thin: simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove
Serving Ideas
- Dip for garlic bread, pizza crusts or Crazy Bread
- Quick pasta dinner
- Base for shakshuka style eggs
- Pour over meatballs
- Spread on homemade pizza
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Uses pantry ingredients
- Ready in minutes
- Cheaper and tastier than jarred sauce
- Easy enough for weeknights
- Perfect for picky eaters and budget dinners
FAQ
Can I use diced tomatoes instead?
Yes, just blend lightly if you prefer a smoother texture.
Can I double the batch?
Absolutely. It freezes beautifully – toggle the quantities easily in the recipe card section below!
Can I make it without butter?
Yes, substitute more olive oil but butter does add a lovely richness.
Quick and Easy Pantry Marinara Sauce Recipe!
December 6, 2025Ingredients
Method
- Add the butter, olive oil and onions to your saucepan. Warm over medium heat until the onions soften and the butter melts, about 3 – 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes and basil. Cook for about 1 minute to wake up the flavors. Stir constantly so the garlic does not burn.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.Turn the heat down low and place the lid slightly ajar so the sauce does not sputter everywhere. Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar and balsamic vinegar.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and serve!
Video
Notes
- Sugar balances the acidity of tomatoes and creates that classic pizzeria style sweetness.
- Frozen onion melts into the sauce and saves prep time.
- Balsamic vinegar adds depth without making it taste vinegary.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove
Related Recipes:
- See all our family’s other Italian Inspired Recipes HERE!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This pantry marinara is quick, cozy and inexpensive. It proves you do not need hours or fancy ingredients to create a sauce your family will genuinely love.
It is simple, reliable and perfect for busy nights or budget friendly meals!
What to Try Next?!
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Last update on 2026-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
