I realize that making homemade sauce can be time consuming, but it’s not difficult. What you get for your efforts is a delicious, fresh, flavorful base for whatever Italian meal you’re planning. For example, add meatballs, and eat it on spaghetti. … or Add Italian sausage and ground beef, and it’s perfect for lasagna. … It’s also a great pizza sauce. So, if you have time, it’s worth the effort.
![Saute chopped onion, celery, and carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 3-quart sauce pan. over medium heat for 5-6 minutes.](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/29012059/2016-02-29_6533_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
Saute chopped onion, celery, and carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 3-quart sauce pan. over medium heat for 5-6 minutes.
![Pulse stewed tomato in blender to crush, but not completely puree. (You want it a little bit chunky.)](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/29014821/2016-03-10_7757_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
Pulse stewed tomato in blender to crush, but not completely puree. (You want it a little bit chunky.)
![Add stewed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to sauteed vegetables. Stir to combine.](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/29012123/2016-02-29_6541_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
Add stewed tomatoes, basil, oregano, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to sauteed vegetables. Stir to combine.
![Reduce heat to just maintain simmer, and allow sauce to cook for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 hours. Stir occasionally.](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/29012140/2016-02-29_6555_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
Reduce heat to just maintain simmer, and allow sauce to cook for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 2 hours. Stir occasionally.
![After 2 hours of simmering, the sauce will be thick, delicious, and beautiful. Remove from heat, and serve with your favorite pasta.](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/29012147/2016-02-29_6567_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
After 2 hours of simmering, the sauce will be thick, delicious, and beautiful. Remove from heat, and serve with your favorite pasta.
![](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/29014845/2016-03-10_7821_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
![](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/29014845/2016-03-10_7821_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons carrot, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 28 ounce can San Marzano style whole tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup red wine
- 2 teaspoons dry basil
- 1 teaspoon dry oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- In a 3-quart pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium . Saute onion, celery, and carrot for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and sauté one more minute.
- Pour whole tomatoes into blender, and pulse several times. Don’t completely puree.
- Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, brown sugar, pepper, and bay leaf to sautéed vegetables. Then stir in tomato paste, red wine, butter, and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, and simmer at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1-2 hours.
- Serve on your favorite pasta.
- Yields 3 cups sauce when simmered 2 hours.
![Homemade Marinara Sauce](http://d1srdn5lm0231r.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/29014837/2016-03-10_7845_edited-1-1024x683.jpg)