Easy Canned Tomato Pizza Sauce

This quick and flavorful pizza sauce is made from canned tomatoes, making it a perfect pantry-friendly option. With garlic, onion, and classic Italian herbs, it delivers a rich, savory taste that simmers into a delicious base for any homemade pizza—no paste or puree needed.

Yields: About 1½ to 2 cups (enough for 2–3 medium pizzas)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Tomatoes:
   • Add the can of diced or crushed tomatoes to the skillet.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, sugar (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Stir well to combine.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Blend (Optional):
   • If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to your desired consistency.
5. Cool and Use:
   • Let the sauce cool before spreading it on your pizza dough.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

This simple and flavorful sauce is perfect for your homemade pizzas and can be easily made with canned tomatoes you have in your pantry. Enjoy!