Best Easy Vegan Tomato Sauce Recipe for Quick Meals

There’s nothing quite like a rich, flavorful tomato sauce to elevate any vegan dish. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, layering it in a lasagna, or using it as a base for hearty stews, having a reliable tomato sauce recipe in your repertoire is essential.

This best easy vegan tomato sauce recipe combines simplicity with bold, vibrant flavors, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a versatile sauce that’s naturally vegan, wholesome, and utterly delicious.

Forget the jars laden with preservatives and added sugars—this homemade sauce brings the essence of ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and savory garlic right to your kitchen. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll create a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Ready to impress your family and friends with a homemade touch? Let’s dive into this fuss-free, mouthwatering tomato sauce recipe that will soon become your go-to for countless meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy vegan tomato sauce is a true kitchen hero. It’s:

• Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Versatile: Perfect for pasta, pizza, casseroles, and more.
• Healthy and natural: Made with whole, fresh ingredients—no artificial additives.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Vegan-friendly: Completely plant-based, with no dairy or animal products.

Plus, this recipe uses pantry staples that you probably already have, meaning it’s budget-friendly too!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup (to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth (optional, to adjust thickness)

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Chopping board
• Can opener
• Measuring spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother sauce)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion.
2. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant but not browned.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize it slightly, which deepens the sauce’s flavor.
5. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice. If using whole peeled tomatoes, break them up gently with your spoon or use a masher for a chunkier texture.
6. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
7. Lower the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pan, and let the sauce cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps reduce and thicken the sauce while melding the flavors.
8. Check the consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth to loosen it to your liking.
9. Optional: For a smoother sauce, carefully transfer to a blender or use an immersion blender and puree until desired consistency.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
11. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Tips & Variations

“If you have extra time, roasting fresh tomatoes before adding them to the sauce adds incredible depth and sweetness.”

• Fresh herbs: Swap dried oregano and basil for fresh versions added at the end of cooking for a brighter flavor.
• Add vegetables: Boost nutrition by tossing in finely grated carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms while sautéing the onions.
• Spicy kick: Increase red chili flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or cashew cream for a luscious, velvety version.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Use fresh tomatoes: In summer, try using 2 pounds of ripe fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped, instead of canned.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant vegan tomato sauce pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:

• Classic spaghetti or any pasta: Toss with your favorite noodles and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Vegan lasagna: Layer with dairy-free ricotta and sautéed vegetables for a comforting meal.
• Pizza base: Spread over homemade or store-bought pizza dough before adding your toppings.
• Meatless meatballs: Check out this Meatballs And Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a delicious combo with our sauce.
• Hearty stews and casseroles: Use as a flavorful base to deepen the taste of your favorite vegan dishes.

For more inspiring vegan recipes that complement this tomato sauce, explore the creative Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the delightful Julie Marie Eats Recipes. You might also enjoy experimenting with dough in the Magic Dough Recipe to create fresh pizza crusts or garlic knots!

Conclusion

This easy vegan tomato sauce is a kitchen staple that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it a perfect recipe for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring you always have a delicious, healthy sauce ready to go.

Beyond just pasta, this sauce is a versatile companion for countless dishes, from pizzas to casseroles, enhancing your culinary creations with vibrant, fresh flavor.

Making your own tomato sauce is not only rewarding but also allows you to control exactly what goes into your food, avoiding unnecessary additives. Keep this recipe handy and customize it with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Once you try this sauce, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the best easy vegan tomato sauces out there. Happy cooking!

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