Sausage Marinara Sauce
The ultimate comfort food that warms the soul! This Sausage Marinara Sauce is rich, savory, and bursting with flavors. Perfect for pasta or a hearty pizza base, it's an easy weeknight dinner you can whip up in no time.
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sweet onion
- 1 cup red bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 28 ounce crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This step is crucial as it releases the flavorful fat that will be used to sauté your vegetables. You want to achieve a nice golden-brown color on the sausage, as this will add depth to the sauce.
- Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. This will keep it from overcooking while you prepare the rest of your sauce.
- Return the sauté pan to the heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat up until shimmering. This step is important because it helps the vegetables cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- When the olive oil is hot, add the diced sweet onion and red bell pepper to the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté these vegetables until they have softened significantly and released their moisture, about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly golden, which will bring out their natural sweetness.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. This step is where the aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
- Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The tomatoes will add acidity and body to the sauce, so ensure they are well mixed in.
- Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pan and stir everything together. This is the moment when all the flavors come together!
- Let the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes on low heat. This simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld beautifully. The sauce will thicken slightly, and you’ll notice a rich aroma filling your kitchen.
- Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Notes
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!