Who doesn’t love a good bowl of spaghetti? But the key to making a delicious pasta dish is, of course, a good marinara sauce. And, did you know that making your own marinara sauce is actually super easy? Not to mention, it’s also a budget-friendly ingredient in many of our budget meals.
HOMEMADE MARINARA MAKES BUDGET MEALS TASTE EXTRAORDINARY
If you’re looking to cook up some budget meals, making marinara sauce is a great place to start. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also much cheaper than buying pasta sauce from the store. Best of all, you probably already have all the ingredients you need in your pantry. By spending just 15 minutes whipping up this savory sauce, you can transform any ordinary pasta dish into something truly extraordinary.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE MARINARA SAUCE
The list of ingredients that you need is incredibly short, and chances are, you probably have all of them sitting in your pantry. No need to worry about writing down a long list of obscure ingredients you’ve never heard of. With just a few simple items, you can create this delicious, flavorful sauce.
- Tomatoes – Using crushed canned tomatoes can be a lifesaver when making a homemade marinara sauce. Not only does it save you a ton of time, but it has a really nice consistency. Having to chop and crush a bunch of fresh tomatoes would take forever! With canned tomatoes, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Plus, they’re usually picked at the peak of their ripeness and canned within hours, which means you’re getting the best possible flavor.
- Garlic – Garlic is a must-have ingredient in any kitchen. It adds a rich, savory flavor and aroma to almost any dish, but it tastes best when paired with marinara sauce. When cooked into the tomato sauce, garlic releases a nutty, buttery flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning – Using a bunch of different herbs and spices can really add up when making a marinara sauce. That’s why we have found a budget-friendly solution by opting to use Italian seasoning. This magical mix has all the herbs and spices that are typically found in Italian cuisine, making it the perfect choice to add that complex and zesty flavor to our sauce.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil is a staple in any Italian kitchen, and for good reason! Not only is it a healthier alternative to other oils, but it also adds a rich, fruity flavor to any dish. When added to marinara sauce, olive oil elevates the flavors of the tomatoes and the other ingredients while giving it a smooth, velvety texture.
- Salt and Pepper
HOW TO PREPARE MARINARA SAUCE
The instructions for this recipe couldn’t be any easier! Start by combining all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Then everything needs to simmer together for the next fifteen minutes. Once the timer goes off, you’ll have a delicious and flavorful marinara sauce!
BUDGET MEALS USING MARINARA SAUCE
Marinara sauce is extremely versatile! For instance, you can use it to top off a delicious bowl of freshly cooked pasta. You can also use it in place of traditional pizza sauce, trust me, it’s absolutely delicious! But that’s not all, you can use it as a dip for your mozzarella sticks and breadsticks! Or, if you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of soup use it as a soup base, you won’t regret it!
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STORE LEFTOVERS
Storing marinara sauce is an excellent way to keep it lasting longer. Be sure to keep the sauce in an airtight container for the best results. Refrigerated marinara sauce can last for up to a week. For an even longer shelf life, store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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Easy Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
So if you’re looking to get creative in the kitchen without breaking the bank, making your own marinara sauce is an easy and delicious way to save some money. With this recipe, you can upgrade a simple bowl of spaghetti into something special – all while using simple pantry staples. So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it! And on top of that, you’ll be saving yourself money and time in the process. Bon appetite!
What is your all-time favorite recipe that includes marinara sauce?
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