When it comes to pizza night, we all know the sauce makes or breaks the whole thing. Sure, you can grab a jar from the store, but once you’ve made your own pizza sauce at home — with just five simple ingredients — there’s no going back. It’s fresh, rich, and perfectly balanced. And the best part? It takes less than 15 minutes.

Let’s make this sauce together — no fuss, no weird additives, just honest, delicious flavor.

We’ve tried plenty of pizza sauces over the years — some too sweet, others too acidic, or just plain boring. What makes this 5-ingredient version so special is how it hits all the right notes: it’s smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

You only need a handful of pantry staples, yet the flavor feels like something straight from a cozy Italian kitchen. Plus, you can easily adjust it — make it spicy, garlicky, or herby depending on your mood.

And let’s be honest: knowing that we can whip up something this good from scratch always feels like a little win in the kitchen.

Here’s the magic of this recipe — just five ingredients, all easy to find and likely already in your kitchen.

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes – The base of your sauce. Go for quality; San Marzano if you can.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced – Adds that deep, aromatic flavor we can’t live without.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the sauce blend smoothly and enhances the richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For that classic Italian flavor.
• Salt to taste – Don’t skip this. It brings everything to life.

That’s it! Simple, right? No added sugar, no onion powder, no fillers. Just real ingredients that create a perfectly balanced sauce.

Let’s go through it together — it’s incredibly easy, and you’ll love how your kitchen smells halfway through.

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Don’t rush this part — give the oil about a minute to warm up. Once it shimmers, you’re ready for the next step.

Toss in your minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant — not brown. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter, so keep a close eye on it.

Now pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the oregano. Stir well to combine all those wonderful flavors. Let it start bubbling gently.

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens — the flavors blend, and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
After 10 minutes, taste it. Add a pinch of salt, stir, and taste again. Adjust until it’s just right for you.

If you prefer a smooth, pizzeria-style sauce, use an immersion blender for a few seconds. If you like it rustic, leave it as is — we’re not judging.

And that’s it. Your 5-ingredient pizza sauce is done.

• Use good tomatoes. They’re the backbone of your sauce. Cheap canned tomatoes can be acidic or metallic.
• Don’t overcook it. Ten minutes is plenty. Longer cooking can make it too thick or dull the fresh tomato flavor.
• Add a pinch of sugar only if needed. If your tomatoes are very acidic, a small pinch can help, but don’t overdo it.
• Taste as you go. It’s the best way to make sure the flavor’s exactly how you like it.

We love making this sauce in double or even triple batches. It stores beautifully, and that means pizza night is always just minutes away.

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to one week.
• In the freezer: Freeze in small portions (like in an ice cube tray!) for up to 3 months.
  When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently on the stove.

While it’s perfect for pizza, this sauce is way too good to limit to just one dish. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it:

• Pasta: Toss it with spaghetti for a quick weeknight meal.
• Dipping sauce: Use it for mozzarella sticks or garlic bread.
• Lasagna: It’s the perfect base layer for your next homemade lasagna.
• Baked eggs: Simmer it with a few cracked eggs on top for a rustic Italian-style breakfast.

Basically, if you’d put tomato sauce on it, this one will make it better.

Since we’re already talking about pizza, let’s take it one step further. This sauce pairs perfectly with:

• Thin crust pizzas for that crispy, light texture.
• Margherita pizzas — add fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Veggie pizzas — the simple sauce lets the vegetables shine.
• Meat lovers’ pizzas — its fresh flavor cuts through the richness beautifully.

However you top it, this sauce is the kind of foundation that makes every bite sing.

Let’s be honest — we all lead busy lives. Grabbing a jar from the store is easy. But here’s the thing: when we make our own sauce, we control everything.

No preservatives. No excess salt. No weird sweetness. Just clean, bold flavor that tastes like real food. And it takes less time than a grocery run.

Plus, it feels good to say, “We made this from scratch.” There’s something deeply satisfying about that.

Keep it simple, keep it delicious…

In the end, this 5-ingredient pizza sauce reminds us that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones — the ones that let each ingredient shine.

So next time it’s pizza night, skip the jar and make your own sauce. You’ll smell the difference. You’ll taste the difference. And trust us — once you’ve had it, you’ll never go back.

Because the truth is simple: good pizza starts with great sauce. And now, you’ve got the perfect one.

Ready to try it yourself?

Grab your tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and salt — and in just 15 minutes, you’ll have the ultimate pizza sauce made right in your own kitchen.

No fancy tools. No secret ingredients. Just real food and amazing flavor.

Enjoy your meal! 🍕

Can’t wait to hear how yours turned out — drop me a comment below!

Thanks for being here! If you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends.

And if you’re still hungry for more, take a look at our earlier recipes — you might just find your next favorite!

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The Best 0 Carb Pizza Dough You’ll Ever Make (So Easy and So Good!)

0 Net Carb Pizza Crust: The Secret to Guilt-Free Pizza Nights!