10+ Sauce Recipes You’ll Love for Easy and Delicious Meals

Sauces really bring meals to life—flavor, moisture, texture, you name it. Dipping, drizzling, or mixing? Sauces can turn plain ingredients into something you’ll actually crave.

Here are some easy sauce recipes that’ll jazz up just about any meal.

You don’t have to be some kitchen wizard to make a good sauce. With basic stuff and a few steps, you can whip up something that fits your taste.

Trying different sauces is a fun way to find new favorites at home.

1) Classic Marinara Sauce

Classic marinara is simple and fresh. Start with ripe tomatoes and garlic for that bright, clean flavor.

Some folks skip onions so the sauce tastes extra lively. First, cook garlic in olive oil, then add tomatoes and let it all simmer.

Toss in fresh basil or oregano if you’ve got it. Good tomatoes make all the difference here.

This sauce works for pasta, dipping, or as a base for something bigger.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Crush tomatoes by hand and add to the pan.
4. Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
6. Add fresh basil near the end if you want.

2) Homemade Tomato Sauce

Homemade tomato sauce is straightforward and honestly pretty satisfying. Cook onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re soft, then toss in chopped tomatoes and a dab of butter.

Let it all simmer on low. The flavors blend and the sauce thickens up.

Add some basil or oregano if you’re in the mood. A pinch of sugar and salt helps mellow out the tomato’s acidity.

Use this sauce for pasta, pizza, or as a dip—super versatile.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Fresh basil or oregano, optional

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium until shimmering.
2. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes till soft.
3. Stir in tomatoes and butter. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Lower heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
5. Add salt, sugar, and herbs. Cook for 5 more minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

You can check out a similar recipe at Once Upon a Chef.

3) Comeback Sauce

Comeback sauce is creamy, tangy, and packs a little heat. It’s awesome as a dip for fries, slathered on sandwiches, or tossed in salads.

It hails from the Southern U.S. and you can make it in minutes. Just mix mayo with ketchup and hot sauce.

A dash of Worcestershire and lemon juice gives it more depth. Adjust the hot sauce if you want it milder or spicier.

This one’s quick to whip up and keeps in the fridge for a week. It’s a fun way to jazz up ordinary meals.

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine mayo, ketchup, and hot sauce in a bowl.
2. Stir in Worcestershire and lemon juice.
3. Mix until it’s smooth.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before using.

4) Cashew Garlic Vegan Sauce

You can make a thick, creamy vegan sauce with just a few ingredients. This cashew garlic sauce works for pasta, as a dip, or spread.

Soak the cashews, then blend them with garlic, water, and salt. The result is a smooth, rich sauce—no dairy needed.

Add lemon juice or herbs if you want a little zing. It’s super flexible and keeps in the fridge.

Use it as a base or add your favorite spices. It’s quick, healthy, and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
2. Blend cashews, garlic, salt, and water until smooth.
3. Adjust water for consistency.
4. Add lemon or herbs if you like.
5. Chill or use right away.

Find more about this at garlic cashew cream sauce.

5) Buttery Tomato Sauce with Onion

You can make a rich tomato sauce with just butter and onion. Melt butter in a saucepan, then add a halved onion and cook it slowly until it’s soft.

Pour in canned tomatoes with their juices. Let it all simmer so the flavors blend.

Season with a pinch of salt. The sauce gets smooth and rich from the butter.

Works great with pasta or as a base for other recipes. The method is simple and the ingredients are always on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, halved
• 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion halves and cook until almost caramelized, about 10 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and a pinch of salt.
4. Simmer on low for about 45 minutes, stirring now and then.
5. Remove onion before serving if you want.

6) Easy Enchilada Sauce

You can throw together enchilada sauce at home in about 10 minutes. Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

It’s great for enchiladas, tacos, or as a dip. No need for dried chiles, which makes things easier.

The sauce isn’t too spicy, but you can tweak it if you want more heat.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, and oregano.
4. Gradually whisk in broth to avoid lumps.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Check out an easy enchilada sauce recipe for more.

7) Gourmet Pizza Sauce

Want to make your pizza a little fancier? Try a gourmet pizza sauce.

It’s rich and packed with flavor, thanks to fresh garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano. Cooking it low and slow brings out the best taste.

Add a bit of Parmesan or anchovy paste for a savory kick. You don’t need a lot of ingredients, but each one matters.

This sauce is thick and perfect for any pizza crust. It’s easy to make and really levels up homemade pizza.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, and oregano.
4. Add Parmesan and anchovy paste if you want.
5. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring now and then.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Let cool before spreading on pizza.

8) Four Meat Italian Gravy

Four Meat Italian Gravy is hearty and perfect for family dinners. It simmers for hours, blending the flavors of several meats.

You cook beef, pork, sausage, and maybe veal. The slow simmer makes the sauce thick and full of flavor.

It takes a while, but the smell alone is worth it. This one’s a classic for Sunday nights or when you want to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1/2 pound veal (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 28 ounces tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Brown the meats until cooked through. Remove extra fat if needed.
3. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Lower heat and simmer for 3–4 hours, stirring sometimes.
7. Serve hot over pasta.

9) Green Sauce

Green sauce gives a fresh, herby kick to so many dishes. It’s usually made with cilantro, parsley, or basil, which gives it that vibrant color.

You can use it on tacos, grilled meats, or just as a dip. Some versions are creamy with avocado, while others get their heat from jalapeños.

Just blend the ingredients together—takes a few minutes. Different regions have their own spins, like salsa verde with tomatillos or Peruvian aji verde with mayo and cheese.

Each one brings something unique to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cilantro

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley

• 1 avocado (optional)

• 1-2 jalapeños or serrano peppers

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt to taste

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional for a creamier sauce)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and roughly chop the herbs.

2. Want less heat? Go ahead and remove the seeds from the peppers.

3. Toss everything into a blender or food processor.

4. Blend it up until the sauce turns smooth.

5. Give it a taste—maybe you’ll want a little more salt or lime juice.

6. Serve right away, or stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For more ideas and twists, you might want to check out this fresh and spicy green herb sauce.

10) Simple Pan Sauce

Making a pan sauce is such an easy way to boost your meal’s flavor. After you cook meat, don’t toss those browned bits stuck to the pan.

Those bits? They’re packed with flavor and will make your sauce taste incredible.

Splash in a little stock, wine, or even juice. Scrape around with a spatula to get all the good stuff off the bottom.

Let it bubble and simmer until it thickens up. Throw in some herbs, salt, and pepper—taste as you go.

This sauce is honestly good with chicken, beef, pork, or fish. I’d go with a stainless steel or cast iron pan if you have one.

Ingredients

• Pan drippings or 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken, beef, or vegetable stock
• 1/4 cup white or red wine (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Take your meat out of the pan and set it aside.
2. Pour in the stock and wine over medium heat.
3. Scrape up the browned bits with a spatula or spoon.
4. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in the herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour your sauce over the meat and serve right away.