Gather ingredients: olive oil, onion, garlic, ground beef (optional), crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (optional), sugar (optional), bay leaf (optional)
Finely chop onion
Mince garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
Sauté onion until softened, 5–8 minutes
Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30–60 seconds
Add ground beef (optional) and cook until browned, 7–10 minutes; drain excess fat if needed
Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes
Add crushed tomatoes and any seasonings: salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf
Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally
If sauce tastes too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs
Remove bay leaf if used
Use immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months