Delicious Tomato Sauce Recipe Freezer-Friendly for Easy Meal Prep

If you are looking for a way to simplify your meal prep while still enjoying delicious homemade meals, then this tomato sauce recipe freezer-friendly guide……

If you are looking for a way to simplify your meal prep while still enjoying delicious homemade meals, then this tomato sauce recipe freezer-friendly guide is exactly what you need. Making a large batch of tomato sauce and freezing it for later use can save you time and effort on busy weeknights. Here's a comprehensive guide to creating a delectable tomato sauce that you can freeze and use whenever you need it.

### Ingredients:

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes

- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon dried basil

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

### Instructions:

1. **Prepare Your Ingredients**: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother.

2. **Cook the Aromatics**: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings**: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine. Add the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together until well mixed.

4. **Simmer the Sauce**: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

5. **Finish with Fresh Basil**: If you're using fresh basil, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will add a fresh, vibrant flavor to your sauce.

6. **Cool and Portion**: Once the sauce is done cooking, let it cool to room temperature. Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container or bag to allow for expansion as the sauce freezes.

7. **Label and Freeze**: Label each container or bag with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of how long the sauce has been in the freezer. Store the sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months.

### Tips for Freezing and Reheating:

- **Portion Control**: Freezing the sauce in smaller portions (1-2 cups) makes it easier to defrost only what you need.

- **Thawing**: To thaw, transfer the sauce from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

- **Reheating**: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

### Versatile Uses:

This tomato sauce recipe freezer-friendly sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes:

- **Pasta Dishes**: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and easy dinner.

- **Pizza Sauce**: Use it as a base for homemade pizza.

- **Casseroles**: Incorporate it into casseroles for added flavor.

- **Meatballs**: Serve it over meatballs or use it as a base for meatball subs.

- **Vegetable Dishes**: Mix it with roasted vegetables for a hearty side dish.

By following this tomato sauce recipe freezer-friendly guide, you can enjoy the convenience of having a homemade sauce ready to go whenever you need it. This not only saves you time but also ensures that you are eating a delicious, homemade meal even on the busiest of days. Happy cooking!