The first time I prepared this Chef Boyardee tomato sauce recipe by myself is something I will never forget. I had a longing to have that childhood, comfort, taste but more fresh and homemade.
The tomato aroma was enriching my kitchen and in minutes, I was sure that this recipe will become part of my list of recipes that I cook regularly.
It can be used on pasta as a speedy weeknight meal or be a foundation to hearty casseroles, but one thing is sure: this sauce makes people smile upon seeing it. It is easy, tasty and it really reaches that homey, comfort-food niche.
The Secret Behind This Delicious Chef Boyardee Tomato Sauce
So what is so special about this tomato sauce? It is really a blend of fresh ingredients, a little known simmering and some little touches that make each bite better. This is why I can and will always come back to this recipe:
- Rich, Balanced Flavor – By using ripe tomatoes, a touch of olive oil and just the right amount of seasoning, this sauce hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s not overly tangy and it never feels bland.
- Smooth, Silky Texture – Blending the sauce after simmering gives it that smooth consistency we all love in classic Chef Boyardee-style sauces. It clings beautifully to pasta, ravioli, or meatballs.
- Customizable Seasoning – The recipe is forgiving, so you can tweak it to your taste. Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Time-Saving and Versatile – Once you have this sauce ready, it’s a shortcut for countless meals: pasta, pizza, stuffed peppers or even a quick dip for garlic bread.
- Nostalgia Factor – Sometimes, it’s the simple, familiar flavors that win hearts. This sauce takes you straight back to childhood dinners but with a wholesome, homemade twist.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Sauce
- Cuisine: American / Italian
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients For Chef Boyardee Tomato Sauce Recipe
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Substitutions & Tips:
- Use fresh tomatoes if in season for extra sweetness.
- Swap olive oil for butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust herbs to your preference — thyme or rosemary also work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Oil
In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. - Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and heat it another 30 seconds till it smells. Do not burn it -garlic cooks quick! - Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Mix well to combine, ensuring no lumps remain. - Season the Sauce
Add basil, oregano, sugar (add it in case of using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend all the ingredients and simmer. - Simmer for Flavor
Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer 20 minutes stirring occasionally. This assists in the blending of flavours and the viscosity of the sauce. - Blend for Smoothness
Puree the sauce using an immersion blender. Or, meticulously hand pour to a blender in batches. - Final Taste Test
Taste the sauce and add more seasonings. You can add a bit of additional salt, sugar or herbs depending on your taste. - Serve or Store
Serve and immediately on top of pasta or any preferred dish. Fresh herbs should be added as a garnish to add color.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the simmering step — slow cooking is key to deep, rich flavors.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, but pair with gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.
- High-Protein Option: Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for a heartier sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Already dairy-free, but add a drizzle of olive oil or vegan parmesan for creaminess.
- Flavor Twists: Stir in roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a Mediterranean spin.
- Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Spread it on your favorite pasta spaghetti, penne or ravioli. Pizza Use as a pizza sauce base on a fast homemade pizza night.
Add roast veggies or baked chicken and dinner is served. Serve with a warm baguette or garlic bread so that you do not miss even a single drop.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving for too long — slow reheating preserves flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Chef Boyardee Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar optional, balances acidity
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Substitutions & Tips:
- Use fresh tomatoes if in season for extra sweetness.
- Swap olive oil for butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust herbs to your preference — thyme or rosemary also work beautifully.
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Garlic
- Add the minced garlic and heat it another 30 seconds till it smells. Do not burn it -garlic cooks quick!
Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste. Mix well to combine, ensuring no lumps remain.
Season the Sauce
- Add basil, oregano, sugar (add it in case of using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend all the ingredients and simmer.
Simmer for Flavor
- Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer 20 minutes stirring occasionally. This assists in the blending of flavours and the viscosity of the sauce.
Blend for Smoothness
- Puree the sauce using an immersion blender. Or, meticulously hand pour to a blender in batches.
Final Taste Test
- Taste the sauce and add more seasonings. You can add a bit of additional salt, sugar or herbs depending on your taste.
Serve or Store
- Serve and immediately on top of pasta or any preferred dish. Fresh herbs should be added as a garnish to add color.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, but pair with gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.
- High-Protein Option: Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein for a heartier sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Already dairy-free, but add a drizzle of olive oil or vegan parmesan for creaminess.
- Flavor Twists: Stir in roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a Mediterranean spin.
- Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
FAQs About Chef Boyardee Tomato Sauce Recipe
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! It is even better the following day where the flavors have more time to combine.
Can I freeze Chef Boyardee tomato sauce?
Yes! Use tomatoes which are ripe, peeled and cut in pieces. Bring to a boil a little longer to achieve the same consistency.
How do I make it spicier?
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during simmering.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use tomatoes which are ripe, peeled and cut in pieces. Bring to a boil a little longer to achieve the same consistency.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Definitely! You can skip the sugar, however, you might want to use naturally sweet tomatoes to maintain the acidity.
Conclusion
I want you to fall in love with this Chef Boyardee tomato sauce recipe as much as my family had done! It has no frills, it is soothing and it is really universal.
This sauce will become your staple, whether you are preparing a meal on a hectic weekday or meal-prepping.
Try it, and do not forget to comment or tag me in the event you post it on the internet, I always like watching what you cook in your kitchen. Savor the flavor, nostalgia and goodness in each bite!
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.