Marinara Sauce With Or Without Meat Recipe

This incredibly adaptable marinara sauce recipe is a kitchen staple! Originally designed with meat, it's equally delicious as a hearty meat sauce or a vibrant, pure marinara for pasta, pizza, or any dish calling for a rich tomato base. Quick, easy, and customizable to your spice preferences, this recipe is a weeknight winner. Easily halved for smaller portions, making it perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 84.6 kcal
Protein 7g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Marinara Sauce With Or Without Meat 24

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Marinara Sauce With Or Without Meat

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How to Make Marinara Sauce With Or Without Meat

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  4. If using meat, add browned and drained ground beef or Italian sausage to the saucepan.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Stir occasionally.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more herbs, spices, salt, pepper, or sugar to your liking.
  8. Serve over your favorite pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or incorporate into other dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

34 g

Sugar

44g

Fat

0g

Carbs

6g