Pizza Sauce Recipe Easy

I used to think making homemade pizza sauce from scratch was too much work for a simple weeknight meal, until I perfected this easy pizza sauce recipe. Tired of bland store-bought pizza sauce? A truly great pizza starts with a great sauce, and this easy pizza sauce recipe delivers a deep, rich flavor that tastes like it simmered all day. The secret is a simple trick: caramelized onions. This easy homemade pizza sauce recipe offers a sophisticated flavor profile that takes pizza night from good to great. It’s simple enough for a weeknight family dinner and a total game-changer.

Ingredients

Olive Oil

Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor base. We’ll divide a small amount (1/4 cup total) between caramelizing the onions and building the sauce base.

Large Onion

One large yellow or Vidalia onion, thinly sliced, about 250 g / 9 oz. Slicing thinly ensures even caramelization and quicker cooking time, adding natural sweetness to the sauce.

Light Brown Sugar

A small amount (1 teaspoon) to aid the caramelization process. This helps achieve a deep, sweet flavor profile and balances the acidity of the tomatoes; omit for sugar-free if preferred.

Garlic

Two cloves, minced finely. Essential for a classic savory pizza sauce flavor base. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Dried Oregano

5 mL (1 teaspoon) dried oregano. This classic Italian herb is critical for that familiar pizza parlor flavor, holding up well to simmering.

San Marzano Tomatoes

One large can (794 g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes. These tomatoes have lower acidity and superior flavor to standard canned varieties, but any high-quality crushed tomatoes work as a substitute.

Fresh Thyme Leaves

10 mL (2 teaspoons) fresh thyme leaves, divided. Fresh thyme adds a rustic, herbaceous note that balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions; half is used during simmering, half as a garnish.

Seasonings

5 mL (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt, 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper, and 1 mL (1/4 teaspoon) red pepper flakes (optional). The red pepper flakes are recommended for a subtle heat that cuts through the richness. If you want a truly healthy and hearty pizza sauce recipe easy to store, this caramelized onion version is a game changer for family dinners.

Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy pizza sauce recipe from scratch:

Caramelize the Onions

Heat 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of olive oil in a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onions soften significantly. Add the light brown sugar and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply golden brown and very tender. Remove from the pan and set aside. I usually start the onions while I prepare the rest of the ingredients for a quick weeknight meal.

Build the Sauce Base

In the same pan, add the remaining 30 mL (2 tablespoons) of olive oil. Increase heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn. If the pan seems too hot, reduce heat slightly to prevent bitterness.

Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of the fresh thyme leaves, the fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld and deepen for this quick and easy pizza sauce recipe.

Integrate the Twist

Stir the caramelized onions back into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the onions to fully meld with the tomato base. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed; the sauce should be rich, slightly sweet from the onions, and savory for this easy pizza sauce recipe.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the warm pizza sauce into a rustic bowl. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves over the top. This rich and thick easy pizza sauce recipe is perfect for spreading on homemade pizza dough or using as a base for flatbreads.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Meal Prep Friendly: This easy homemade pizza sauce recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Making a double batch on Sunday means you have a high-quality ingredient ready for quick meals during the busy week. The flavors meld even more after a day in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for meal prep.
• Refrigeration: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Use glass containers to avoid staining plastic.
• Freezing Instructions: For long-term storage, freeze in a heavy-duty freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. I like to freeze it in 1-cup portions, which is perfect for one standard family-size pizza. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or run under warm water for faster results.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?

A: Yes, you absolutely can use fresh oregano. The rule of thumb for substituting fresh for dried herbs is to triple the amount. For this specific recipe, use 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of the 1 teaspoon dried.

Q: Is this sauce thick enough for pizza?

A: The simmer time in step 3 reduces the crushed tomatoes, giving you a naturally thick, rich sauce. It won’t make your pizza dough soggy. If you want it even thicker for a deep-dish pizza, simmer for another 10 minutes uncovered.

Q: Can I use this easy pizza sauce recipe for pasta?

A: This rich, sweet, and savory sauce is excellent for pasta. You can use it as a base for baked ziti, lasagna, or toss it with spaghetti for a family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Q: Why do I add the caramelized onions separately?

A: Caramelizing onions takes specific heat management over a long period. Cooking them separately prevents scorching the tomatoes and ensures the deep, sweet flavor develops fully without making the sauce bitter.

Q: Can I use regular canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano?

A: While San Marzano offers superior flavor due to lower acidity, you can substitute other high-quality crushed tomatoes. Just make sure they are not diced, as the texture will be too chunky. This substitution makes for a slightly different, but still delicious, easy pizza sauce.

Q: What’s the best way to adjust the flavor for family members?

A: If serving kids or spice-sensitive adults, omit the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend it for a few seconds with an immersion blender before adding the caramelized onions. I also sometimes add a pinch more sugar if the tomatoes are particularly acidic for a more balanced flavor.

Q: How can I make this sauce even richer?

A: For an extra layer of flavor, add a small splash of balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of simmering. It will deepen the color and add complexity.

Conclusion

This easy pizza sauce recipe with caramelized onions turns simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful sauce that truly makes pizza night special. It’s a versatile base that you’ll want to keep stocked in your freezer for quick meals. Save this easy pizza sauce recipe to Pinterest so you can find it next time you make pizza at home!

pizza sauce recipe easy

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• Author: Grace Miller
• Total Time: 80 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

An easy homemade pizza sauce recipe featuring a deep, rich flavor created by caramelizing onions, perfect for weeknight pizza.

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Ingredients

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• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow or Vidalia onion, thinly sliced (about 250 g / 9 oz)
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 can (794 g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until softened. Add the light brown sugar and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Build the Sauce Base: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Increase heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of the fresh thyme leaves, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well, then bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes.
4. Integrate the Twist: Stir the caramelized onions back into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the warm pizza sauce into a bowl and sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves over the top before serving.

Notes

To make this sauce sugar-free, simply omit the light brown sugar. If using fresh tomatoes, use 1 pound of Roma tomatoes and roast them first for depth of flavor. Store extra sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 0.5 cup (120 g)
• Calories: 100 calories
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg