The Simplest Versatile Tomato Sauce

For pasta or pizza. Or lasagna, or toast…

Everyone needs a versatile tomato sauce recipe. Something to stir into pasta, slather on homemade pizza, or layer with lasagna.

But why break the bank to buy complicated ingredients for a fancy sauce that takes all day? It's not worth it for me.

I love this recipe because it's so simple, easy, and quick to whip up. Not to mention it uses inexpensive ingredients you already have laying around.

This recipe has been in my family for years — but without an official recipe. So here it is!

THE SIMPLEST VERSATILE TOMATO SAUCE

Ready in: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce* [SEE NOTE]

• 2 Tbsp salted butter

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, such as McCormick(R)

• freshly ground black pepper

• salt

• 1 Tbsp tomato paste (optional)

Tools:

• deep pan or shallow pot

• pepper grinder

• can opener (may be necessary)

• stirring spoon, knife for butter, measuring materials

Instructions:

1. Stir all ingredients together in the pot over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce begins to bubble.

That's it! Enjoy!

*Make sure you're using a CANNED sauce that's just tomato puree and might have a few other ingredients such as salt, citric acid, spices etc. I use Kirkland Signature (TM) Organic Tomato Sauce. "Sauce" is simply the form of tomato (just like diced and pastes are). Avoid jars, as they are usually a ready-made sauce, and opt for cans.