Hey there! Ready to take your homemade tomato sauce game to the next level? If you’ve got a can of tomato paste and some canned tomatoes on hand, you’re already halfway there. This method transforms those basic pantry staples into a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, and everything in between. Plus, it’s super customizable! Let’s dive in and whip up a tomato sauce that’ll become a go-to in your kitchen.

The Secret to Amazing Tomato Sauce

The key to this delicious sauce is combining tomato paste with whole canned tomatoes and a few simple seasonings. Tomato paste adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor, while the whole tomatoes provide texture and natural sweetness. Together, they create a balanced sauce that’s thick, smooth, and bursting with fresh, tangy flavor.

Grab your immersion blender, a handful of spices, and let’s get cooking!

What is in this Tomato Sauce?

Canned Tomatoes: I used some I canned myself but feel free to use whole canned tomatoes from the store.
Tomato Paste: I used my own, but the stuff from the store is adequate.
Seasonings: Onion powder, oregano, garlic, basil, fresh garlic and crushed red pepper.
Sugar: This is entrely optional. If you use canned tomatoes from the store, you will probably appreciate the added sweetness. Mine from the garden were sweet enough so I omitted it.

How to Make Tomato Sauce from Tomato Paste

Step 1: Heat the Oil and Garlic
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Toss in some thinly sliced or minced garlic. As the garlic sizzles, it infuses the oil with flavor, creating a savory base for your sauce. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Let the garlic cook until it’s golden and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Your Aromatics
Next, stir in onion powder (or fresh, finely chopped onions if you’re feeling fancy) and garlic powder. Let everything cook together until the onions soften—this brings out their sweetness and adds depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Stir in the Tomato Paste
Here’s where the magic happens! Add your tomato paste to the pot and let it cook for a couple of minutes. This step helps soften the paste and brings out its rich, tomatoey flavor. It’s like laying down the foundation for a perfect sauce.

Step 4: Add the Whole Tomatoes
Now, it’s time to add those whole canned tomatoes. Pour them in, juices and all, then break them up with a spoon as they heat. The combination of the paste and the tomatoes creates a perfect balance of thickness and flavor. Season with dried oregano, basil, and a touch of sugar if your tomatoes need a little sweetness boost.

Step 5: Blend It Up
Want a smooth sauce? Use your immersion blender to break down the tomatoes directly in the pot. You can make it as smooth or as chunky as you like—totally your call!

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Now that your sauce is blended, bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat and let it bubble gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives all the flavors time to meld together, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. Don’t rush this step—low and slow is the way to go.

Step 7: Season and Taste
Taste your sauce! Now’s the time to adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you want, finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

Georgie’s Tips

Choose Quality Tomatoes: If you can, go for high-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano. They’re naturally sweeter and less acidic, making them perfect for a balanced sauce.
Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can be a bit tangy, so add a pinch of sugar or even a splash of red wine to smooth things out. It’ll give your sauce a well-rounded flavor without being overly sweet.
Season as You Go: Don’t just throw in all the spices at once. Taste your sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed. A little salt, pepper, and herbs like oregano and basil go a long way.
Blend to Your Liking: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, blend it just a little. For a silky smooth sauce, blend until completely smooth. It’s all about personal preference here!
Let It Simmer: The longer your sauce simmers, the more developed the flavors become. If you’ve got time, let it cook for up to an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Kick It Up a Notch: Feeling adventurous? Add some sautéed onions, a bay leaf, or even a dash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, more complex flavor. A little heat from red pepper flakes can also spice things up!

There you have it! A foolproof tomato sauce that’ll elevate any meal, whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it over pizza, or using it as a base for other dishes. The beauty of this sauce is its versatility—adjust the flavors, make it smooth or chunky, and make it your own.

So next time you’re in the mood for homemade tomato sauce, skip the jar and whip up your own with tomato paste and canned tomatoes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Recipes To Use Your Tomato Sauce

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Tomato Sauce From Tomato Paste

Turn tomato paste and canned tomatoes into a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizza, and more—customize with your favorite spices!

5 from 1 vote

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Servings servings

Calories 67 kcal

Ingredients

1 can (6 oz tomato paste)
1 can (28 oz whole peeled tomatoes)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced or minced)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)
1 teaspoon onion powder (or 1 small onion, finely chopped)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the sliced or minced garlic and cook until it starts to sizzle, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic turns golden, infusing the oil with flavor.
Stir in the onion powder (or fresh onion) and garlic powder (if you didn’t use fresh garlic earlier). Cook until the onion softens, if using fresh.
Stir in the tomato paste, cooking until it softens and blends with the oil, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the canned whole tomatoes and their juices. Break them up with a spoon as they heat up. Add the oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
Once the sauce is heated through, use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the pot until smooth. Blend to your desired consistency.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your smooth, flavorful tomato sauce is ready! Use it on pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal

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