This Keto Marinara Sauce recipe is one you will turn to again and again. It is perfectly balanced with sweetness and acidity.  Sautéing the onions first will bring out the sweetness, making it unnecessary to add sugar to the sauce.  Sure, you can buy marinara, but homemade tastes so much better. (Plus - it is always great to control what is going into what you are eating!) The hands-on time is minimal here, and you will be richly rewarded for your efforts. I especially like this with my Keto Chicken Parmesan. Try it once and, like me, you'll be addicted!

The Whole Family Will Love This Keto Marinara Sauce!

One of the hardest things about being on a low carb or keto diet is having to cook one meal for myself and another for my kids.

I try to avoid this as much as possible and find a special joy when I create basic recipes - like this Keto Marinara - that the whole family will love.

I know a lot of people resist the idea of making things that they can easily buy, and I get it.

But I promise - this is so simple to throw together on the weekend, and it tastes A-MA-ZING!

This recipe makes a chunky marinara sauce. If you want it smoother, process it in the blender until it reaches the desired consistency. (This is what I often do - that way the kids can use it for pizza and meatballs.)

I've used this to make Keto Manicotti (coming soon), and I must say it was out of this world.

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How to Make Keto Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a stock pot.

Step 2: Add onion and cook for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.

Step 3: Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and crushed pepper flakes.

Step 4: Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients for Keto Marinara Sauce?

• Unsalted butter
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Canned whole peeled tomatoes 
• Italian seasoning
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Is marinara and tomato sauce OK on a keto diet?

Tomatoes and tomato sauce, in moderation, is ok on a Keto diet. However, prepared marinara, pizza sauce, and other red sauces often have added sugars in them. For this reason, it is important that you read labels if you are going to buy tomato sauce and marinara.

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What is the best brand of canned tomatoes to use on keto?

It is essential always to read labels when choosing tomatoes. Many brands have added sugars, which is something you should avoid. (Especially since tomatoes already have added sugars.) Many brands will work. My favorite is Muir Glen Organic.

How many carbs are in homemade marinara sauce?

The carbohydrate count will vary by recipe, but this sugar-free marinara has just 4 net carbs per serving.

Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of whole tomatoes?

I prefer whole tomatoes because the flavor is so much better, but you can absolutely use crushed tomatoes if you prefer.

How long does this recipe keep in the refrigerator?

This recipe will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator.

Can this be frozen?

This recipe can be frozen for up to three months.

Variations for This Recipe:

• You can use 3 1/2 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes in place of the canned tomatoes.
• If desired, stir in fresh basil and/or oregano in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• If you are low carb and not keto, a grated carrot added in when you add the onion adds a nice hint of sweetness.
• Stir in 3 ounces of Parmesan cheese at the end.
• If you find the sauce to be too acidic, you can add a pinch of baking soda.
• For a super-creamy tomato sauce, add 2 tablespoons of butter to it at the end.

Slow Cooker Keto Marinara Sauce

1. Complete steps one and two on the saute' function of your slow cooker, or on the stovetop.
2. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and cook on low for 8 hours.

Instant Pot Keto Marinara Sauce

1. Turn your Instant Pot to saute, and add the butter and olive oil to the pot.
2. When the butter melts, add onion and cook for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed pepper flakes.
4. Close the lid, and make sure it is set to seal.
5. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Release the pressure using the quick-release method.
7. Carefully unlock and remove the lid.

If You Like This Low Carb Marinara You May Also Like:

• This Keto Chicken Parmesan is simple enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough for company!
• This Keto Meatloaf is pure comfort food!
• Most often I make this Keto Eggplant Lasagna recipe with a meat sauce, but for for a vegetarian option this marinara works fabulously.

Keto Marinara Sauce Recipe

This Keto Marinara Sauce is something I like to make on the weekends. Usually, I will make a double batch and freeze half to use later in the week. If I am planning on pizza, I freeze it in smaller portions so that I can defrost just what I need. Try it, and I think you will agree - it is so much better than store bought.

Print Recipe

5 from 7 votes

Keto Marinara Sauce Recipe

There is nothing quite like the cozy smell of this Low Carb Marinara Sauce simmering on the stove. It is perfect to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time44 mins

Total Time54 mins

Course: Main

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: comfort food, spicy

Servings: 16

Calories: 76.01kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

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Equipment

• Stock pot
• Knife

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 56 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes 2- 28 oz cans crushed by hand (make sure you use a no-sugar added brand)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Heat butter and olive oil in a large stock pan to medium heat.
• Add onion and cook for 4 minutes, until tender. Add garlic and cook for one minute longer.
• Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and crushed pepper flakes.
• Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and cook for 40 minutes.

Notes

Variations:

• You can use 3 1/2 pounds of fresh ripe tomatoes in place of the canned tomatoes.
• If desired, stir in fresh basil and/or oregano in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• If you are low carb and not keto, a grated carrot added in when you add the onion adds a nice hint of sweetness.
• Stir in 3 ounces of Parmesan cheese at the end.

Slow Cooker Keto Marinara Sauce

1. Complete steps one and two on the saute' function of your slow cooker, or on the stovetop.
2. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, and cook on low for 8 hours.

Instant Pot Keto Marinara Sauce

1. Turn your Instant Pot to saute, and add the butter and olive oil to the pot.
2. When the butter melts, add onion and cook for 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed pepper flakes.
4. Close the lid, and make sure it is set to seal.
5. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Release the pressure using the quick-release method.
7. Carefully unlock and remove the lid.

Nutrition

Calories: 76.01kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.89g | Protein: 0.93g | Fat: 6.41g | Saturated Fat: 2.32g | Cholesterol: 7.63mg | Sodium: 434.42mg | Potassium: 197.78mg | Fiber: 1.26g | Sugar: 2.6g | Vitamin A: 228.57IU | Vitamin C: 9.71mg | Calcium: 38.43mg | Iron: 1.11mg

Low Carb Recipes that Use Marinara Sauce to Try:

• Low Carb Italian Meatballs from Low Carb Maven
• Cream Cheese Spaghetti Zoodles from Buns In My Oven
• Low Carb Cauliflower Casserole from Wholesome Yum