budget friendly sauce

Recreate the rich, authentic flavor of Rao’s Marinara Sauce at home with this simple and budget-friendly recipe.

Copycat Rao's Marinara Sauce

oz San Marzano tomatoes

extra virgin olive oil

garlic (minced)

onion (finely chopped)

basil (torn)

Salt (to taste)

red pepper flakes (optional,

If using whole tomatoes, crush them by hand or lightly blend for a smoother texture. Set aside.

Prepare Tomatoes

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Sauté Aromatics

Stir in the prepared tomatoes.

Add a pinch of salt and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Add Tomatoes

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Simmer

Stir in torn basil leaves just before serving.

Finish with Basil

Tried this Copycat Rao’s Marinara Sauce last night, and it was a hit! The flavors were rich and authentic. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

This homemade Rao’s marinara sauce is a game-changer! The use of San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil truly captures that authentic Italian flavor. Has anyone tried canning this sauce for long-term storage?

I grow tomatoes in the backyard and this is my go-to marinara recipe. Tastes better than the $9 jar at the store. Pro tip: add a tiny pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.

Okay, first off, this recipe is a keeper. I did bump up the garlic a little (okay, a lot), but everything else I kept the same. I simmered it a bit longer to let the flavors really develop, and WOW. Tossed it with rigatoni and added some fresh mozzarella on top — easily one of the best meals I’ve made at home in months.

I've made this several times and I've been experimenting with different variations. Roasted the garlic before adding it to the sauce. Gave it a mellow, sweet flavor.

I’ve been trying to cut back on processed foods and this Copycat Rao’s Marinara is exactly what I needed. I followed it to the letter and the flavor is unreal. I’ve bought Rao’s for years but it’s gotten way too pricey — this tastes just like it. My picky 7-year-old actually asked for seconds, which NEVER happens with red sauce.

Rao’s is like $8 a jar at my local store, and with two teenagers, we go through it fast. I made this copycat version and honestly couldn’t tell the difference. My son actually asked me where I bought it from because it ‘tastes fancier than usual.’ 😂 Love that I can control the ingredients and stretch our food budget.

This recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves Rao’s but doesn’t love the price tag! 🍅 I’ve tried so many marinara recipes, and they never quite hit the mark, but the tips in this post, like using San Marzano tomatoes, make all the difference. It’s awesome that it’s budget-friendly and still tastes authentic.

Quick question: has anyone experimented with adding roasted garlic or fresh basil at the end for an extra punch of flavor? I might try that next time! This would pair perfectly with homemade meatballs or even as a pizza base.

Finally, a way to enjoy Rao’s without breaking the bank! I’m going to try this for lasagna night and see if my family notices the difference. Thinking of blending in some roasted red peppers for a twist—anyone tried customizing this recipe? 🧅🍅

"I made this last night, and wow, it tastes just like the real deal! The secret of simmering it low and slow really brings out the flavors. 🍷 🍅Next time, I might try adding a splash of red wine for extra depth

I tried this Copycat Rao’s Marinara recipe, and it’s spot on! A helpful tip: if you want an even richer flavor, roast your garlic before adding it to the sauce. It gives it a slightly sweet, smoky depth that’s amazing! 🍅🧄

Thank you for this!! Rao’s used to be my splurge sauce but I can’t justify it anymore. Made this last night with meatballs and garlic knots and the entire family cleaned their plates. I love that there’s no sugar in the recipe and it doesn’t need any — the tomatoes and onion balance it perfectly.

Used this sauce for our Friday night pizza dough and it was hands down better than any jar I’ve ever bought. I let it thicken a bit more so it wouldn’t be too watery on the crust. Made two pies — cheese and pepperoni — and both were killer. Highly recommend for anyone doing DIY pizza night.

I haven’t made a homemade marinara sauce in probably 20 years, but I gave this one a shot after seeing how expensive Rao’s has gotten. Honestly? It’s better. It tasted like something you’d get at a little family-run place in the Bronx. I’m so glad I stumbled across this recipe. Made it with angel hair and a glass of red and had a restaurant-quality dinner in my slippers.

I made this marinara and served it with gluten-free pasta and roasted zucchini and it was divine. I always struggle to find jarred sauces that aren’t overly sweet or full of junk. This was clean, fresh, and so easy. I’ve already shared the link with my celiac support group!

Confession: I’ve never made a marinara sauce that didn’t come out tasting like spaghetti-O’s... until now. 😅 This was the first recipe I found that actually made me feel confident while cooking. Thank you for the clear instructions and for giving me a win in the kitchen.

First sauce I’ve made from scratch that actually came out GOOD. I was nervous I’d burn it or over-season it, but this recipe is super clear. Paired it with spaghetti and frozen meatballs and still felt like I was eating at a restaurant. Never going back to jarred sauce again.

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Copycat Rao's Marinara Sauce

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Copycat Rao's Marinara Sauce

The most viewed budget friendly sauce recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine