Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe
When it comes to whipping up a hearty and satisfying meal in no time, nothing beats a delicious homemade marinara sauce. This Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe is a game-changer, transforming simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. With just one pound of Italian sausage and a handful of veggies, you can have a comforting dish on the table in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe for its simplicity and robust flavor. The combination of Italian sausage, sweet onions, and bell peppers creates a savory base that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, the crushed tomatoes add a rich depth, making it perfect for any dish you want to enhance. It’s versatile enough to serve over spaghetti for a classic dinner or use as a pizza sauce for an easy weeknight treat.
What Goes In
To make this delightful sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup sweet onion, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
These ingredients are not only easy to find but also come together to create a meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Equipment at a Glance
Before we get cooking, here’s a quick list of the equipment you’ll need:
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and browning sausage.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the mixture and breaking up the sausage.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping the vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
With just a few handy tools, you’re all set to create this flavor-packed sauce.
Mastering Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe: How-To
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this sauce:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and diced red bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions become translucent.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burned.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the sausage until fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well.
Step 5: Add the Crushed Tomatoes
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to bubble gently. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a rich sauce for a homemade pizza. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce!
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some easy substitutes you can try:
- Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or coconut oil.
- Italian sausage: Use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available.
- Crushed tomatoes: Substitute with diced tomatoes or tomato puree if preferred.
These substitutions can help you customize the recipe to fit your needs without sacrificing flavor.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for this Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe comes from the traditional Italian sauces that have been passed down through generations. The combination of fresh vegetables and savory sausage creates a comforting and hearty dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. This recipe is all about simplifying the process while still delivering a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This sauce is perfect for meal prep and leftovers! Here are a few tips to enjoy it even longer:
- Storage: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it will last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When ready to use, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Having this sauce on hand makes for quick and easy meals throughout the week!
Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, including chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a meatless option. Just ensure that it is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild sausage. This will give your sauce a nice kick!
What pasta pairs best with this marinara sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with any pasta, but classics like spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are particularly delightful. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, enhancing every bite.
Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure to sauté them until they’re tender before adding the tomatoes.
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Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details for this Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe, it’s time to head to the kitchen. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade sauce that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this marinara sauce will surely become a favorite. Happy cooking!
Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and diced red bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions become translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burned.
- Next, add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the sausage until fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure there are no pink bits left.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together well.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to bubble gently. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a rich sauce for a homemade pizza. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage.
- This sauce freezes well; store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
