Why I Love This Recipe
This Homemade Tomato Sauce is an absolute staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when I want a classic Italian meal without spending all day in the kitchen. The combination of canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs creates a rich, savory sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta, meatballs, or even as a pizza base. Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a quick go-to meal for the entire family. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a big family gathering, this tomato sauce will never disappoint!
Instant Pot Homemade Tomato Sauce
A delicious, easy homemade tomato sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in the Instant Pot for maximum flavor in minimal time.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 81 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 ½ cups onion, diced
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup water
- 2 (28 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Pinch of baking soda or sugar (to balance acidity, if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Set your Instant Pot to Sauté (High) for 5 minutes. Add the olive oil and diced onions. Stir frequently until the onions become soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Turn off the Sauté function by pressing Cancel.
- Pour the water into the pot and deglaze the bottom of the pot by scraping up any brown bits.
- Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, garlic powder, basil, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Do not stir at this point.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
- Close and lock the Instant Pot lid. Set the valve to the sealing position.
- Set to Pressure Cook/Manual on Low Pressure for 15 minutes.
- The Instant Pot will take about 10-15 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
Step 4: Release Pressure and Adjust
- Once the cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, perform a quick release of the remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to the venting position (using a long spoon to avoid burns).
- Once the pin drops, open the lid. Stir the sauce, and taste. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of baking soda or sugar to balance the flavors. Stir well.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Your sauce is now ready to serve! Serve over your favorite pasta, add meatballs, or use as a pizza sauce.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Fixing Acidity: If your sauce tastes too acidic (which can happen with tomatoes), a small pinch of baking soda (an alkaline) can help neutralize the acid. Alternatively, sugar can cut down on the tanginess and create a more balanced sauce.
- Low Pressure: Always use Low Pressure when cooking tomato sauces in the Instant Pot. Tomatoes are prone to burning and causing the “burn” notice. By cooking at low pressure, you’ll avoid this issue, and the sauce will still come out rich and flavorful.
- Don’t Stir Before Cooking: Avoid stirring the sauce before pressure cooking. This ensures that the liquid doesn’t scorch at the bottom of the pot and that you don’t trigger the burn notice.
- Adding Meatballs: For a complete meal, add your uncooked meatballs directly into the sauce before pressure cooking. They’ll cook perfectly in the sauce during the pressure cook cycle.
- Blend the Sauce: If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender after cooking to blend the sauce into a creamy texture.
Notes
- Using Fresh Tomatoes: If you want to make this sauce with fresh tomatoes, opt for about 10-20 large plum or paste tomatoes. If using beefsteak tomatoes, 10 should suffice. Replace the canned tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes with roughly chopped fresh tomatoes. Reduce the water when deglazing, as fresh tomatoes release their own liquid. After pressure cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
- Storage: This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen in freezer-safe bags for up to 6 months for optimal quality, but it can last up to 1 year.
- Canning: If you’re interested in canning, consult a canning expert for the safest methods. The acidity of the tomatoes must be properly balanced for canning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this sauce with fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can replace the canned tomatoes with fresh, roughly chopped plum or paste tomatoes. If you’re using larger tomatoes like beefsteak, use about 10 tomatoes. Be sure to reduce the water used for deglazing, as fresh tomatoes release their own liquid.
Q: How do I fix a burnt Instant Pot sauce?
If you receive a burn notice, check to make sure you haven’t stirred the sauce before cooking and that there’s enough liquid in the pot. You can try adding a bit more water or broth and cooking again on low pressure.
Q: Can I make this sauce spicier?
Yes, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. Adjust to your personal taste preferences.
Q: Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Absolutely! This tomato sauce works wonderfully as a pizza sauce. You can thicken it a bit by simmering for longer if you prefer a thicker consistency for pizza.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, transfer the sauce into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 6 months for optimal quality, or up to 1 year. When reheating, you can add a little water or broth to thin it out if needed.
This Homemade Tomato Sauce is a simple yet flavor-packed recipe that’s perfect for any meal, from pasta night to homemade pizza. The Instant Pot makes it so easy to prepare, and the deep, rich flavors come together in just 35 minutes! It’s a versatile, family-friendly sauce that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it with pasta, meatballs, or however you love
