Marinara Sauce
This kid-friendly quick marinara sauce is a go-to for busy weeknights. It’s naturally chunky and rustic, packed with grated carrot for natural sweetness and extra veggies. No added sugar—just wholesome ingredients that simmer into a flavourful sauce even picky eaters can enjoy.
Prefer a smoother texture? This sauce is easily blended to suit younger kids or children who aren’t fans of chunks. Serve it over pasta, use it as a pizza base, or pair it with dippable favourites—this versatile tomato sauce fits every family.
Why This Marinara Sauce Is A Family Favourite
- Smooth and mild flavor that fussy eaters love
- Hidden veggies for extra nutrition without any grumbles
- Ready in under 20 minutes with no added sugar
Ingredients You Will Need
Ingredient Notes, Substitutes, & Allergy Swaps
- Olive oil – Use any mild-tasting oil that you have on hand.
- Carrot – Grated carrot adds natural sweetness, eliminating the need for sugar. Swap with pumpkin or sweet potato puree if desired.
- Crushed tomatoes – An 800g (28 oz ) can works perfectly. You can also use peeled whole tomatoes and blend them.
- Tomato paste – Optional, but adds depth and richness. Can be left out for a lighter sauce.
- Butter – Adds a creamy finish and helps mellow acidity. Omit for dairy-free version or replace with a plant-based butter.
Marinara With Vegetables Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide
Below are illustrated step-by-step instructions to make my Marinara Sauce recipe, if you prefer just the written instructions then head straight to the printable recipe card below.
Step One: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating a little olive oil in your pan. Add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and minced garlic. Let them sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. The grated carrot is your secret weapon here—it adds sweetness without needing sugar. This is the flavour base, so don’t rush this step!
Step Two: Add the Tomatoes and Herbs
Time to layer in the flavour! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir through the dried oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. If you're using tomato paste, add that now too—it gives a richer tomato hit. Give it all a good stir so those dried herbs start waking up in the warmth.
Step Three: Simmer Until Thickened
Let your sauce bubble away gently for 10–15 minutes. Stir it now and then to make sure nothing is catching on the bottom. If it starts getting too thick, just add a splash of water or broth. The goal is a rich, thick, scoopable sauce—chunky but still soft and saucy enough to coat pasta beautifully.
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Step Four: Blend If Needed
Here’s the beauty of this sauce—it’s flexible! If your kids prefer a completely smooth texture, blend all or part of the sauce using an immersion blender. I often do half-and-half—keep one side chunky, blend the other. It’s a great way to please everyone at the table. Don’t forget to stir in the butter at the end if you’re using it—it adds a mellow finish and softens any acidity.
Step Five: Serve It Up!
Now you’re ready to toss it with pasta, spread it on pizza bases, or spoon it over meatballs. It’s one of those sauces that just makes everything taste better. I always keep a stash in the freezer for easy weeknight wins.
Top Tips
Here is how you can make this Marinara Sauce with Vegetables perfectly every time!
- Grate the carrot finely – It melts into the sauce while still offering a little texture.
- Chunky or smooth – Leave the sauce chunky for a rustic feel, or blend it if your child prefers a smoother texture.
- Adjust consistency – Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- It freezes beautifully in an airtight container or portioned into ice cube trays for quick toddler meals.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
- Perfect as the base for traditional pizza or a quick pizza toast!
How to Make This Recipe Suitable For Baby Led Weaning
This marinara sauce works beautifully for baby-led weaning. It’s made with no added sugar and can be adapted to suit your baby’s stage. Serve chunky-style over soft pasta, as a dip, or spooned onto toast. For younger babies or those sensitive to textures, you can blend the sauce smooth—just like in the image below—to make it easier to handle and swallow. You can also use it to moisten proteins like meatballs or lentil patties.
Marinara Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated (adds sweetness)
- 800 grams crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes, blended)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
- ½ cup water or low-sodium stock/broth (for a thinner consistency, if needed)
- 1 Tablespoon butter (optional, helps balance acidity)
Instructions
- Sauté the veggies – Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and grated carrot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add the tomatoes & seasonings – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if using).
- Simmer – Reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or broth.
- Blend (Optional) – For a smooth, kid-friendly texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce.
- Finish with butter – Stir in butter for extra creaminess and a mellow flavor.
Video
Notes
- Grate the carrot finely – It melts into the sauce while still offering a little texture.
- Chunky or smooth – Leave the sauce chunky for a rustic feel, or blend it if your child prefers a smoother texture.
- Adjust consistency – Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- It freezes beautifully in an airtight container or portioned into ice cube trays for quick toddler meals.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.
- Perfect as the base for traditional pizza or a quick pizza toast!
- Olive oil – Use any mild-tasting oil that you have on hand.
- Carrot – Grated carrot adds natural sweetness, eliminating the need for sugar. Swap with pumpkin or sweet potato puree if desired.
- Crushed tomatoes – An 800g (28 oz ) can works perfectly. You can also use peeled whole tomatoes and blend them.
- Tomato paste – Optional, but adds depth and richness. Can be left out for a lighter sauce.
- Butter – Adds a creamy finish and helps mellow acidity. Omit for dairy-free version or replace with a plant-based butter.
Quick Start Guide To BLW
Baby led weaning doesn’t need to be complicated, grab my quick start guide to begin your little ones food journey.