Tomato sauce is a thick, savory, slightly sweet, and tangy conduit used as the base or accompaniment in many recipes. It's made primarily of pureed tomatoes that have been simmered and reduced, although additional ingredients, such as garlic, onions, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and in some cases sugar or carrots, are often included to enhance flavor. The outcome is typically a rich, red, velvety sauce that is a quintessential building block of various dishes. Its texture can range from chunky and hearty to smooth and thin, and the flavor from subtly sweet to pronouncedly tangy, depending on the tomatoes used and the personal preference. Tomato sauce serves as the backbone in numerous Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and lasagna, but can also be found in various other cuisines such as Mexican and Indian, making it a universal and versatile staple in kitchens around the globe. When prepared correctly, tomato sauce can transform an ordinary meal into a culinary delight.

Tomato sauce can usually be found in the canned goods aisle of a grocery store. It is typically located near other tomato products like canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and spaghetti sauce.