Dinner

Aurelio’s Classic Pizza Sauce Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

Introduction

Aurelio’s Pizza Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that brings the classic taste of homemade pizza right to your kitchen. With a blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of Parmesan, it’s perfect for topping your favorite dough or even as a dipping sauce.

A round bowl filled with thick red tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture with bits of what looks like mushrooms or nuts throughout, topped with two fresh green basil leaves placed in the center. The bowl has a rustic, slightly speckled design with a cream and blue pattern, sitting on a larger white plate with a similar rustic design and blue accents. The background is a white marbled texture, and there are a few green basil leaves scattered around nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add crushed tomatoes and mix well.
Step 5: Add sugar, salt, and all spices.
Step 6: Stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 7: Lower the heat and let the sauce cook gently for 25 minutes.
Step 8: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 9: If desired, stir in Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Step 10: Turn off the heat and allow the sauce to cool.
Step 11: For a smooth sauce, blend it to your preferred consistency.
Step 12: Use immediately on your pizza or store for later use.

Tips & Variations

For a fresher taste, add fresh basil leaves right before serving instead of dried.
You can omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.
Adding fennel seeds gives a subtle anise flavor reminiscent of classic Italian sausage seasoning.
If you want a chunkier sauce, skip blending and use as is.
For an extra depth of flavor, simmer the sauce longer on low heat, up to 45 minutes.

Storage

Store the pizza sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

How to Serve

A rustic patterned bowl filled with thick, rich red tomato sauce garnished with two fresh green basil leaves placed on top in the center, the bowl set on a white plate with blue accents, all sitting on a white marbled texture surface with a few scattered green basil leaves nearby, showing the sauce's chunky texture and vibrant color clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used but should be peeled, seeded, and cooked down to create a sauce consistency. It may take longer to cook down than canned tomatoes.