This Homemade Pepperoni Sauce is bold, hearty, and packed with deep flavor, the perfect way to level up your pizza, pasta, meatballs, or sandwiches.
Instead of using a store-bought jar, this tried-and-tested recipe gives you a thick, meaty sauce that’s rich in spices, tomato goodness, and the signature smoky taste of beef pepperoni.
📋 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 4 oz beef pepperoni, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🍳 Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and pepper flakes: Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pepperoni: Stir in diced pepperoni and cook for 3–4 minutes until the edges begin to crisp and release flavor.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender for a few seconds.
- Serve: Perfect over pasta, in pizza quesadillas, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks!
💡 Tips
- Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- For extra flavor, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
🍴 Details
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Serves: 6–8
Calories: ~90 per serving
