Name: Tomato Sauce
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes about 5 cups
Ingredients: 2 medium onions, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 (28- to 32-ounce) cans whole tomatoes in juice; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional), or to taste

This quick and easy tomato sauce is the base for two meals: spaghetti marinara and steamed mussels with tomato broth.

We call for canned tomatoes because most of the fresh ones available in the wintertime have a bland flavor and mealy texture.

Sugar will help round out the flavor if your tomatoes are too acidic. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like your sauce to have a bit of heat.

The leftover sauce also freezes well for future meals.

Cooks' note:

• Sauce can be made 5 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, then chilled, covered.
• Sauce can be frozen in an airtight container 3 months.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

The Secret Ingredient Your Tomato Sauce May Be Missing
It's a little controversial, but all the most balanced tomato sauces have sugar—sometimes naturally, sometimes not.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl

Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them

Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.

Recipe notes

The Secret Ingredient Your Tomato Sauce May Be Missing