Renee's Kitchen Quest

Hello, my foodie friends!

Today, I’m bringing you something truly special—Spicy Homemade Marinara Sauce. Italian cuisine has always held a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s the bold flavors, the comforting traditions, or perhaps it’s just the perfect excuse to enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) with dinner. But more than anything, there’s something magical about making a meal from scratch—filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas and gathering around the table with loved ones.

This Spicy Homemade Marinara Sauce is a game-changer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the jarred stuff again! It’s thick, rich, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors—all made with just a handful of high-quality ingredients. I use it for everything: spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna, Italian meatloaf, and even meatball subs. Honestly, it’s delicious on just about anything!

The Secret In The Sauce!

The secret to this sauce? A slow, gentle simmer. Letting it cook to perfection allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a sauce that’s bold, rich, and full of depth. The longer it simmers, the better it gets. So pour yourself a glass of wine, be patient, and let the magic happen. Speaking of wine, I’m currently enjoying a glass of my favorite Oklahoma wine from Sparks Vineyard—here’s the link if you’d like to check it out! https://www.sparksvineyard.com/

Every great Italian meal starts with a great sauce, and this one has just the right amount of spice to keep you reaching for your wine glass. Let those simple ingredients transform into a velvety, flavorful masterpiece that will take your dishes to the next level. While it’s bubbling away, you can turn your attention to the main course—whether it’s a big bowl of spaghetti, a stacked Meatball Sub, or a hearty baked lasagna. (Speaking of which, I’ve linked my Spicy Meatball Sub recipe right here: Spicy Meatball Subs.

This sauce is the foundation of something truly delicious, so take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly—savor every bite. Because when it comes to homemade Italian cooking, nothing beats a sauce made with love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3/4 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 5 tsp minced garlic
• 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make the Perfect Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large stockpot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped sweet onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, sugar, and bay leaf. Give everything a good mix so the flavors begin to blend.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 60 minutes—but trust me, the longer, the better! The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to deepen in flavor, creating a sauce that’s irresistibly rich and delicious.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the bay leaf, give the sauce one final stir, and serve it over your favorite Italian dishes. Whether it’s spaghetti, lasagna, meatballs, or a meatball sub, this marinara sauce brings a homemade touch that’s sure to impress.

Spicy Homemade Marinara Sauce

This homemade marinara sauce is thick, rich, and bursting with fresh flavor, made from just a handful of high-quality ingredients and simmered to perfection. It’s the perfect addition to any Italian recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine Sauces

Servings 6

Equipment

• stock-pot

Ingredients

  

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 3/4 Cup Sweet Onion Chopped
• 5 Tsp. Minced Garlic
• 2 28 Oz. Crushed Tomatoes
• 2 Tsp. Salt
• 1 Tsp. White Sugar
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 6 Oz. Tomato Paste
• 1 Tsp. Dried Basil
• 1 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 Tsp. Black Pepper

Instructions

 

• In the stock pot over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Tomato Paste, salt, pepper, sugar and bay leaf. Cover, and simmer for at least 60 minutes-the longer the better.
• Serve with whatever Italian recipe you have chosen.

Notes

I use this Marinara Sauce with my spaghetti, Meatballs, Lasagna, Italian Meatloaf, and  Meatball Subs.

Final Thoughts

This classic homemade marinara sauce is a kitchen staple that’s easy to make and even easier to love. It’s bold, fresh, and packed with authentic Italian flavor. Once you try this from-scratch version, you’ll never go back to store-bought marinara again!

What’s your favorite way to use marinara sauce? Let me know in the comments below!

Check out my last post if you missed it.

https://reneeskitchenquest.com/moms-thousand-island-taco-salad/