Keto Tomato Sauce (marinara) Rich and thick, this low-carb version of marinara is perfect for your ketogenic recipes but versatile enough to go along with a bunch of different dishes. Conventional tomato sauces are often sneaky sources of sugar that can unnecessarily jack up carbs but the keto version sheds these in favor of nutritious, low-carb ingredients. It’s usually created using tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and Italian spices, and it brings a hearty, savory flavor that works well with keto pasta, zoodles, or low-carb pizzas.

Herbs like oregano, basil, and onion powder enrich the taste, and red pepper flakes can add a little heat for a touch of spice. A dab of olive oil or butter adds richness and tempers acidity. The sauce can be fast and stovetop-cooked or left to simmer and develop a deeper flavor.

Keto tomato sauce is versatile, in that you can use it as a base for casseroles, meatballs, zucchini or eggplant lasagna or as a dip for cheese sticks. A lot can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for easy meal prep. With a name you can trust, this sauce tastes just like homemade, without the fuss of having to make your own.

Keto Tomato Sauce Recipe

Keto Tomato Sauce

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 18

Servings: 8

Calories: 70

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 (14 oz each) cans crushed tomatoes(no sugar added)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed(optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp erythritol or monk fruit (optional, but helps with acidity)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Can opener

Method

Mince the garlic, and finely chop the onion
Heat olive oil in saucepan, over medium heat
Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until soft and fragrant
Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce
Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper and chili flakes if using
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally
If too sour, add erythritol. Adjust salt and pepper
Use right away over zucchini noodles, shirataki pasta or grilled meats

Notes

If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender before serving.

Add some ground beef or Italian sausage to give this keto recipe a meaty bolognese twist!

Freezes well up to 3 months.

Not only is this sauce multi-purpose, it's sugar free and full of Italian flavor without taking you out of ketosis.

Flavour Profile of Keto Tomato Sauce

Rich & Savoury- Constructed using ripe, low-carb tomatoes (or tomato paste) as the deep, hearty base.
Herbaceous & Aromatic- YK Home Herb Grinder, Pulveriser with Handle,120 Mesh Spice Grinding for Kitchen, Seasoning, Herbs, Minced Vegetables for Sauces, Classic Italian Seasoning Seasoned with Basil, Oregano, Thyme or Parsley
Garlicky & Slightly Sweet- Garlic and onion (in reasonable amounts or as powders) add depth, while the natural sweetness of the tomato neutralises acidity.
Tangy & Bright- The tomatoes provide a natural acidity, which is softened with a little olive oil.
Umami Depth- A dusting of Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar (sugar-free), to add some complexity.

Keto Tomato Sauce Nutrition and Calories

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	40–60 kcal
Total Fat	2–3 g
Saturated Fat	0–1 g
Protein	1–2 g
Total Carbohydrates	5–6 g
Dietary Fiber	1–2 g
Net Carbs	3–4 g
Sugar	2–3 g (natural from tomato)
Sodium	200–300 mg

Keto Tomato Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes

This keto sauce is low-carb and contains no added sugar, and is made out of fresh tomatoes.
Serve tomatoes with herbs and garlic in order to make them rich and natural with olive oil.
Being less moist and having fewer carbs, use Roma or plum tomatoes.
Add basil, oregano, sea salt and pepper to add flavour to the food without carbs.
To thicken the sauce, adding sweeteners and starch will not help, so simmer longer.
Freeze or save in airtight containers to use as a meal.
Makes the best keto pizzas, zucchini noodles, casseroles, and meat, etc.
A healthier and cleaner substitute for the store-bought sauces that are full of sugar.

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FAQs

Q1. Is tomato sauce keto-friendly?

A1. Yes — if it’s sugar-free and portion-controlled, it’s keto-approved.

Q2. How many carbs are in keto tomato sauce?

A2. Roughly 3-4 net carbs per ½ cup serving.

Q3. Why are the carbs so high on some tomato sauces?

A3. Lots of store-bought varieties include sugar, corn syrup or starches that ramp up the carbs.

Q4. Can I use fresh tomatoes in keto sauce?

A4. Yes — just simmer them down in olive oil, garlic and herbs.

Q5. What is the best store-bought keto tomato sauce?

A5. Seek out brands such as Rao’s Homemade, Yo Mama’s, or Primal Kitchen (with no added sugar).

Q6. Does the keto diet permit tomato sauce?

Yes–providing it does not contain any added sugar and does not contain too many carbs.

Q7. What is the best keto tomato sauce?

The most suitable keto sauce is either homemade or bought without added sugar and with less than 4-5g net carbs per serving.

Q8. What sauce is keto-friendly?

Keto-friendly sauces will consist of pesto, sugar-free tomato sauce, alfredo, chimichurri, and garlic butter.

Q9. Is tomato ok with keto?

Yes- tomatoes are keto-friendly, but in moderation since it is low in net carbs.

Candice Knauer

Hi, I’m Candice Knauer!
I’m passionate about creating delicious, healthy meals that make the keto lifestyle simple and enjoyable. What started as my personal journey into low-carb cooking has grown into a collection of recipes that I love sharing with others who want to feel their best while still enjoying great food.

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