Small batch tomato sauce is a quick and easy homemade recipe made with simple pantry ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs. This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, and everyday meals, delivering authentic Italian taste in a convenient single portion. Simmered to perfection and lightly blended for a smooth texture, it offers a balanced combination of sweetness and acidity. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy tomato sauce recipe is great for anyone looking for a fresh, homemade alternative to store-bought sauces.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
⅓ cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons salted butter
½ teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.

2. Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic releases its aroma.

3. Build the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the basil, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Blend the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender), puree the sauce until it reaches a slightly smooth consistency while still keeping a bit of texture.

6. Finish the Sauce
Stir in the butter and honey until the butter melts completely. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect small portion with no waste
Rich, balanced flavor with natural sweetness
Simple ingredients you likely already have
Versatile base for many pasta and Italian dishes

Tips

Chop vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate
Don’t skip the butter—it adds richness and smooth texture
Simmer uncovered for a thicker sauce
Blend to your preferred consistency (chunky or smooth)

Variations and Substitutions

Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned when in season
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
Substitute honey with sugar or leave it out for a more tangy sauce
Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version
Add fresh basil at the end for extra flavor

FAQs

Can I store this tomato sauce?
Yes, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely, this sauce freezes well for up to 2 months.

Do I have to blend the sauce?
No, you can leave it chunky if you prefer a more rustic texture.

Serving

Serve this tomato sauce over pasta, use it as a base for pizza, or pair it with meatballs, chicken, or vegetables.

Suggestions

Toss with spaghetti and grated cheese for a quick meal
Use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks
Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a hearty variation
Spread over pizza dough for a homemade pizza base