Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, nothing beats a hearty marinara sauce. This Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Bursting with flavors from Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices, this sauce can elevate any pasta dish or serve as a perfect base for your favorite recipes. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s dive into the savory world of this delightful sauce and discover why it’s become a staple for home cooks everywhere.
Why Cooks Rave About It
This Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe is beloved for its rich flavor and simplicity. Here are just a few reasons why cooks rave about it:
– **Flavorful**: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs creates a taste that is both comforting and satisfying.
– **Versatile**: Use it with pasta, on pizza, or as a base for casseroles. This sauce adapts to whatever you’re craving.
– **Quick to Prepare**: With just a few steps, you can have a delicious sauce simmering on the stove in no time.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: Make a big batch and freeze it for future meals, ensuring you always have a quick dinner option on hand.
What Goes In
To whip up this Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara 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 combine to create a sauce that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the vegetables.
Recommended Tools
Before you get started, here are some handy tools to have on hand:
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables and browning the sausage.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and breaking up the sausage as it cooks.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to dice the onion and bell pepper.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for getting the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Storage containers: For any leftover sauce that you want to save for later.
With these tools, you’ll be ready to create your sauce with ease.
Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe: How It’s Done
Now, let’s get into the steps of making this delectable sauce.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 1 cup of diced sweet onion and 1 cup of diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter. You want it fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Next, add the 1 pound of Italian sausage to the skillet. Use your wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until the sausage is browned and no longer pink.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Once the sausage is cooked through, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the flavors really start to come together.
Step 5: Add the Crushed Tomatoes
Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sauce is done simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve it over your favorite pasta, on a sub for a meatball sandwich, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. The possibilities are endless!
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
This Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce is perfect for any season. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy it year-round:
- Spring: Toss it with fresh asparagus and whole wheat pasta for a light meal.
- Summer: Use it as a base for a veggie-packed ratatouille, adding zucchini and eggplant.
- Fall: Incorporate seasonal squash, like butternut, for a comforting pasta dish.
- Winter: Serve it with hearty bread for dipping on a chilly evening.
Each season brings its own unique twist to this versatile sauce!
Don’t Do This
To ensure your sauce turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Don’t rush the sautéing process. Taking your time to soften the vegetables will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in your sauce.
- Don’t overcook the garlic. It should be fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can ruin the taste.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust. Every batch can differ, so make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll create a sauce that’s sure to impress.
Prep Ahead & Store
This Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce is great for meal prep! Here are some tips for making it ahead of time:
You can prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’d like to freeze it, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
Quick Questions
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative and will still provide great flavor in your sauce.
What can I serve this sauce with?
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Serve it with pasta, use it on pizza, or enjoy it over polenta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, such as mushrooms, spinach, or carrots, to boost the nutrition and flavor.
How do I know when the sauce is done cooking?
The sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded, typically after about 15-20 minutes of simmering.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. With its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and versatility, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just looking for a comforting meal, this sauce delivers on all fronts. Don’t hesitate to make a big batch and keep it on hand for those busy nights when cooking seems like a chore. Savor the warmth and satisfaction that comes from a homemade sauce, and enjoy the delicious meals that follow!
Quick and Easy Sausage Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 7-10 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Let cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over pasta or as desired.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
