Dinner

Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe

Name: Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional); 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

ByAndria Russo December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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Introduction

Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce is a classic, flavorful base that brings authentic Italian taste to your homemade pizzas. Made with simple ingredients and a blend of herbs and spices, this sauce is easy to prepare and perfect for elevating any pizza night.

A round bowl filled with thick red tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture with bits of what looks like mushrooms or nuts throughout, topped with two fresh green basil leaves placed in the center. The bowl has a rustic, slightly speckled design with a cream and blue pattern, sitting on a larger white plate with a similar rustic design and blue accents. The background is a white marbled texture, and there are a few green basil leaves scattered around nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add garlic (fresh or garlic powder) and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in flavor.
Step 4: Add the crushed tomatoes and mix well to combine with the tomato paste.
Step 5: Add sugar, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and fennel seeds if using.
Step 6: Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
Step 7: Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Step 8: If desired, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor once the sauce is done cooking.
Step 9: Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
Step 10: For a smooth sauce, blend using an immersion blender or a regular blender until your preferred consistency is reached.
Step 11: Use the sauce immediately on your pizza or store it for later use.

Tips & Variations

For a fresher taste, add a handful of chopped fresh basil at the end of cooking.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip blending and leave it as is.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
Use fresh garlic cloves instead of garlic powder for more authentic flavor.
Adding a splash of red wine during cooking can add richness and depth.

Storage

Store the pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before using.

How to Serve

A rustic patterned bowl filled with thick, rich red tomato sauce garnished with two fresh green basil leaves placed on top in the center, the bowl set on a white plate with blue accents, all sitting on a white marbled texture surface with a few scattered green basil leaves nearby, showing the sauce's chunky texture and vibrant color clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel, seed, and crush them before cooking. This will take more time but offers a fresh flavor.