Eat Without

Marinara Sauce

Source: Colorado State University Extension, Adapted from Easy Marinara Sauce

Published by the USDA MyPlate Kitchen library. Read from an archived copy of the source page captured 2025-12-31.

Canned tomatoes and fresh spinach come together beautifully in this quick and tasty marinara recipe.

Makes
16 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice)
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 3/4 cup celery, diced
  • 4 cans (14.5 ounce) crushed tomatoes, low sodium
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups raw spinach, roughly chopped

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Wash the vegetables.
  3. Collect, dice, and measure all ingredients before starting to prepare the recipe.
  4. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  5. Add the onion and garlic powder. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the onion is clear.
  6. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes until slightly soft.
  7. Add the tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir until all ingredients are mixed together. Taste, and add a little bit of salt and pepper if desired.
  8. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a boil.
  9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.
  10. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts.*
  11. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3 to 5 days.

Notes

This recipe freezes well. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and eat! Learn more about: Onions Carrots Celery Tomatoes Spinach

Quoted for reference only, exactly as the source printed it, so check product labels yourself before relying on any of it. The methodology page covers the guarantee, and how a contributor can have their text removed on request.