Bobby Flay 20-Minute Tomato Sauce – A Quick and Flavorful Classic

Need a fast, flavorful tomato sauce that doesn’t compromise on taste?

Bobby Flay’s 20-minute tomato sauce is your go-to. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This sauce is fresh, vibrant, and ideal for pasta, pizza, or dipping.

What is Bobby Flay’s 20-Minute Tomato Sauce?

This is a quick-cooking tomato sauce using pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Despite the short cook time, it delivers full-bodied flavor thanks to high-heat sautéing and quality ingredients. It’s designed to be ready in under 20 minutes—start to finish.

Other Bobby Flay Recipes

• Bobby Flay Chicken Fried Rice
• Bobby Flay Coconut Crispy Rice
• Bobby Flay Meat Sauce
• Bobby Flay Marinara Sauce
• Bobby Flay Spaghetti Sauce

Why You Love This Recipe

• Fast and fuss-free – Done in just 20 minutes
• Pantry-friendly – Uses ingredients you likely have on hand
• Tastes homemade – No need for store-bought jars
• Versatile uses – Great for pasta, pizza, and more
• Easy to customize – Adjust herbs, spices, or texture to your liking

Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay’s 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) – 3 cloves
• Crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) – 1 can (28 oz)
• Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper – to taste
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional)
• Dried oregano – ½ teaspoon
• Fresh basil (chopped) – 2 tablespoons (or 1 tsp dried)

Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay’s 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Heat olive oil – Warm in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Sauté garlic – Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes – Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
• Season and simmer – Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
• Finish with basil – Stir in chopped fresh basil in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Taste and adjust – Modify seasoning to your preference and serve warm.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Tossed with spaghetti – A fast and flavorful pasta meal
• Pizza topping – Use as a quick homemade pizza sauce
• Meatball companion – Simmer meatballs right in the sauce
• Zoodles or veggie noodles – A low-carb, healthy pairing
• Dipping sauce – Serve with breadsticks or mozzarella sticks
• Eggplant or chicken parm – A quick base for layered dishes

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Use quality tomatoes – San Marzano or fire-roasted tomatoes add depth
• Don’t burn the garlic – Keep the heat moderate for best flavor
• Simmer uncovered – This helps the sauce thicken and concentrate
• Add tomato paste early – Sautéing it boosts the umami factor
• Taste as you go – Fine-tune seasoning before serving
• Use fresh basil at the end – Preserves its aromatic qualities

Variations of Bobby Flay’s 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Add sautéed onions – For extra sweetness and body
• Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of cream for richness
• Spice it up – Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat
• Go herby – Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley
• Include mushrooms or bell peppers – Adds bulk and flavor
• Blend it smooth – Use an immersion blender for a silky texture

Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Store in the fridge – Lasts up to 5 days in an airtight jar
• Freeze for later – Freeze in batches for up to 3 months
• Let it cool first – Prevents condensation when storing
• Portion for convenience – Great for quick reheats later
• Use glass or BPA-free plastic – Avoid metallic containers

Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay 20-Minute Tomato Sauce

• Stovetop preferred – Heat gently over low-medium heat
• Microwave option – Reheat in short bursts, stirring in between
• Thin if needed – Add water or broth if the sauce thickens too much
• Reheat only what’s needed – Keep remaining portions fresh
• Stir well before use – For even texture and warmth

Nutritional Value (per Serving – approx. ½ cup)

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Sugars: 5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes for Bobby Flay’s 20-minute tomato sauce?

Yes, but for quick results, it’s best to use peeled and crushed ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the sauce to mimic the texture of canned.

Is this tomato sauce good for pizza too?

Absolutely. Simmer it slightly longer to reduce the liquid content, making it thick enough to use as a rich, flavorful pizza base.

How can I make Bobby Flay’s tomato sauce smoother?

For a silky finish, blend the sauce using an immersion blender after simmering. This removes chunks and creates a uniform texture.

Can I double the recipe and store it?

Yes, this sauce scales up easily. Freeze leftovers in portions for up to 3 months, perfect for future pasta nights or quick meals.

Final Words

Bobby Flay’s 20-minute tomato sauce is proof that fast doesn’t mean flavorless. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this sauce delivers real homemade goodness in record time. Keep it in your weeknight rotation, and you’ll always have a quick and tasty meal at your fingertips.

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