Are you still trying to use up some of the fresh produce growing in the garden? I had tons of tomatoes this season so decided to try my hand at some homemade tomato sauce! This Garden Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce (from Scratch) is a simple recipe for a zesty and traditional tomato-based pasta sauce using only a few basic ingredients.
This fast and delicious pasta sauce will be a new favorite with the family! This easy and zesty tomato-based marinara sauce is sure to be an instant family favorite. With little preparation time and simple ingredients, this is an easy idea for a tasty, homemade Italian dinner. It comes together quickly but simmers for a few hours to thicken- so allow yourself some time. If you want you could toss it into the Slow Cooker- too.
What I love about this Garden Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce (from Scratch)
This zesty homemade marinara sauce is delicately melded with savory herbs, blended bell pepper and onion, and red wine for a tasty addition to your family’s favorite pasta. This recipe is both kid and adult approved! If you want to add some ground beef go for it!
Equipment Needed for homemade Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Food Processor
- A large skillet, Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker
- Serrated Knife
- Cutting Board
You can customize this sauce with the vegetables and herbs you have growing in the garden but I was able to utilize my Roma Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Green Peppers, and Basil. If you like a little heat go ahead and add some jalapenos or other peppers if you desire.
How many Tomatoes do I need?
To make this fresh homemade tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes, I used about 14 Roma tomatoes and 2 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes. This made about 5 cups of crushed tomatoes. So if you are using canned that kind of gives you a reference. Or if you have tons and want to double up just add more onion, peppers, and seasonings to your liking.
Watch the video for homemade tomato sauce below!
How to make this Traditional Tomato Marinara Pasta Sauce from Scratch with Fresh Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep vegetables
Core the green pepper, removing the seeds and white pith. Remove outer skin on the onion. Quarter the onion and green bell pepper. Blend quartered onion, green peppers, and garlic in food processer until finally chopped. Lightly sauté the blended onion and bell pepper in olive oil in a large pot or Dutch Oven until cooked.
Roughly cut up the tomatoes and toss them into the food processor separately. Pulse until mostly smooth. (alternatively can use a couple large can of crushed tomatoes)
Step 2: Add ingredients to the Pot
Add the tomatoes into the pot with the cooked onion and bell pepper. Add ½ cup red cooking wine, chopped basil, red pepper flakes, and seasonings of choice.
Add Italian seasonings of choice such as garlic powder, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, onion powder, to taste.
Step 3: Simmer Down Now
Cover the pot and let simmer until your desired consistency. I let mine cook for about 5 1/2 hours stirring occasionally. It was tasty at about 2 hours but the longer you go the more depth the sauce will have, the thicker it will become, and will have less liquid.
Alternative Method if you want to make it a meat Sauce
Follow the instructions above and also brown up some ground beef in a separate pan. Cover and let simmer on low for about twenty minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add in the meat and serve it up. The meat will help the flavor and texture of the tomato sauce.
Store leftover sauce in airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
How to prepare this Sauce in the Slow Cooker
First sauté the peppers/onion/garlic and then add to your slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and “slow cook” for about 6 hours.
Serving Ideas for this Simple Homemade Tomato Pasta Sauce
This pasta is great paired with a simple mixed green salad or my caprese spinach salad. Homemade bread or garlic bread also go well with this savory pasta sauce, letting diners wipe clean any remaining sauce from their plates. You also can garnish with parmesan, feta, or your favorite cheese. Younger eaters might prefer a little mozzarella cheese on top of their pasta.
Have fresh herbs? Make sure to check out my How to Dry Fresh Herbs from the Garden Post!
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Garden Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce (from Scratch)
Equipment
- 1 food processor
- 1 Dutch Oven large pot or slow cooker
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp Knife (Serrated)
Materials
- 1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 medium Green Bell Peppers or red
- 1 large sweet onion
- 14 Roma Tomatoes *see notes
- 2 1/2 cups Cherry Tomatoes *see notes
- 3-4 large cloves of garlic
- Fresh Basil or other herbs
- 1/2 cup Red Wine I used Cab
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Seasonings of Choice
Instructions
- Core green pepper, removing the seeds and white pith. Remove outer skin on the onion. Quarter the onion and green bell pepper. Blend quartered onion and green bell pepper and the garlic in a food processer until finally chopped.
- Lightly sauté blended onion and bell pepper in olive oil in Dutch Oven or pot until cooked.
- Roughly cut up the tomatoes and toss them into the food processor separately. Pulse until mostly crushed.
- Add the processed tomatoes into the Dutch oven with the cooked onion and bell pepper. Add about ½ cup red wine ( I used Cab).
- Then add fresh basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, Thyme, or other seasonings of choice (such as Garlic/Onion powder, Oregano, rosemary)
- Cover and let simmer on low until desired flavor and consistency ( I went 5 1/2 hours) stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm on top of spaghetti or your family’s favorite pasta.
For Meat Sauce
- Follow above instructions and add browned meat before simmering. (and your simmering time may be less since the meat will add flavor and texture to your sauce).
Video
Notes
