If you’re anything like I once was, the idea of making tomato sauce from scratch is intimidating. It seems to be so much easier to waltz down the aisle at the grocery store and select the flavor that most appeals to you. Our Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe is here to shatter that perspective and gently lead you to the truth: that making flavorful, comforting tomato sauce is a breeze.
Our Homemade Tomato Sauce recipe will quickly become your favorite freezer accessory, changing the way you look at weeknight dinner. Packed with the robust flavors of tomatoes and fragrant herbs, it is the perfect base for countless dishes, bringing a homemade touch to even the quickest of meals.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to never go back to store-bought sauce?
Why you’ll love this Homemade Freezer Tomato Sauce
- Cost-Effective: Making tomato sauce at home, especially when preparing in bulk, saves money compared to buying pre-made sauces.
- Customizable: The flavor of tomato sauce is easily adaptable to your preferences or needs.
- Comfort Food: Tomato sauce is a staple in many comfort dishes, like lasagna and ravioli bake.
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 28 oz diced tomatoes can
- 6 oz tomato paste can
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil diced (or 1 1/2 tbsp dried basil)
- 5 cloves garlic minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
- Dump contents of the freezer bag to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Stir and serve. (Serve over pasta, veggies, chicken parm, etc…)
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, plus ½ cup water.
- Set to High Pressure for 8 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Stir and serve. (Serve over pasta, veggies, chicken parm, etc…)
- Recipe is naturally gluten free.
- Recipe is naturally dairy free.
Nutrition
Equipment Needed to make Easy Tomato Sauce Homemade
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients for your Delicious Homemade Freezer Tomato Sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1×6 oz can tomato paste
- 3 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup diced fresh basil OR 1 ½ tbsp dried basil
- 5 minced garlic cloves OR 1 tsp garlic powder
How to make Homemade Tomato Sauce
Freezer Prep Directions:
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Diced Tomatoes: In place of the tomato paste, drain and blend one 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes.
- Chopped Leeks: For a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, substitute the yellow onion for one cup of finely chopped leeks.
Additions:
- Red Wine: Add ¼ cup of red wine for a deeper flavor profile. The alcohol will cook off and leave behind a complex, rich taste that will elevate the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Mushrooms: 1 cup of diced mushrooms will add texture and an earthy flavor to your sauce.
Homemade Freezer Tomato Sauce FAQs
Other Recipes you’ll love!
- The Best Chili you Ever Had!
- Fresh Basil Tomato Sauce
- Sausage Tortellini Bake
- Apple BBQ Pulled Pork
- Best Rib Recipe
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Homemade Freezer Tomato Sauce turned out!
Megan says:
Sounds yummy
Carol B says:
Very tasty! Thanks for the recipe!