why make this recipe
Quick Tomato Sauce is a perfect dish for busy weeknights. It is simple to prepare and can be made in less than 30 minutes. This sauce is not only delicious but also versatile, making it great for a variety of meals. Whether you want to top a pasta dish, use it as a pizza sauce, or serve it with meatballs, this sauce has you covered!
how to make Quick Tomato Sauce
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Ingredients :
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire roasted petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and celery. Cook until the beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, and basil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Add red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until flavors have blended, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan and butter until melted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with desired pasta.
how to serve Quick Tomato Sauce
Quick Tomato Sauce is best served hot over your favorite pasta. You can add extra Parmesan on top for more flavor. This sauce also goes well with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.
how to store Quick Tomato Sauce
To store Quick Tomato Sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the sauce will expand when frozen.
tips to make Quick Tomato Sauce
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce the moisture.
- For an herb boost, try adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving.
variations
You can easily modify this recipe by swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables or lentils instead.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes are great and help save time!
How can I make this sauce spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better the next day. Prepare it ahead and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Quick Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
For the Sauce Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ¼ cup dry red wine
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5-ounce can fire roasted petite diced tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and celery. Cook until the beef has browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks; drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, and basil until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Add red wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until flavors have blended, about 10-15 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan and butter until melted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.