I grew up on Chef Boyardee, and oh boy, that sauce takes me right back! We’ve tested, tasted, and tried it all-so you can trust we’ve got the best info on how to make that same cozy, yummy flavor right in your own kitchen.
The Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe is a tomato-based pasta sauce made with tomato puree, a touch of sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and mild in flavor, ideal for pasta dishes and Chef Boyardee Beefaroni.
Want to know the secret to that silky texture and sweet tang? Keep reading-we’re sharing all the ingredients, tips, and step-by-step instructions to get it just right!
How This Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe Brings Back Real Flavor
Today, I am going to walk you through how to recreate that famous sauce using real ingredients, nothing artificial, no fillers – just honest, homemade flavor.
This is the sauce my family devours. It is packed with ripe tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and a depth of flavor you cannot find on a grocery store shelf.
Whether you are pouring it over pasta, spooning it into a lasagna, or dipping garlic bread into it, this one is a keeper. Also can use as a alternative of Chef Boyardee Pizza Sauce.
Ingredients for the Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe
Here is everything you will need for this bold, savory red sauce
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 finely chopped shallots (or 1 medium yellow onion)
- 1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (28 oz) cans of whole tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped (more to taste)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)
- Sharp knife and cutting board.
- Measuring spoons and cups
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8
How to Make the Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Chef Boyardee Sauce at home
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your chopped shallots (or onion) and let them cook until soft – about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Layer in the flavor
Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, Aleppo pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes), and tomato paste. Cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes
Pour in the whole tomatoes – juice and all. Use the back of your spoon to gently break them up right in the pot. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Simmer and reduce
Let the sauce simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and let it reduce by about a third. This thickens the sauce and concentrates the flavor.
Step 5: Blend
For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender or standard blender. I usually leave mine slightly chunky – it feels more rustic and heartier that way.
Step 6: Finish with fresh basil
Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, stir in plenty of fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Boom – you have just made a better-than-the-can Chef Boyardee sauce recipe in your own kitchen.
Some Irresistible Food Pairings for This Chef Boyardee Sauce
1. Spaghetti and Meatballs – A match made in carb heaven.
2. Lasagna – Layer this sauce between noodles and cheese for a rich, homemade comfort dish.
3. Eggplant Parmesan – Perfectly coats the crispy layers.
4. Chicken Parmesan – The sauce gives it that perfect tangy-sweet balance.
5. Stuffed Shells – Pours over pasta shells like a dream.
6. Pizza Base – Use it as a quick red sauce for homemade pizzas.
7. Mozzarella Stick Dip – Warm up some sauce and dip away.
8. Baked Ziti – Classic, cheesy, and satisfying.
9. Gnocchi – Clings beautifully to soft potato dumplings.
10. Garlic Bread – Toasted slices dipped in this sauce are addictive.
Some Game-Changing Tips for the Perfect Chef Boyardee Sauce
1. Use whole tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
2. Cook low and slow – the longer it simmers, the better it gets.
3. Do not skip the tomato paste – it adds depth and richness.
4. Salt in stages so the flavor builds as it cooks.
5. Fresh basil makes a difference – do not skimp.
6. Leave it chunky or smooth it out – your call, both ways work.
7. Use a heavy pot to avoid burning or uneven heat.
8. Brown the garlic gently – burnt garlic ruins the whole sauce.
9. Do not rush the reduction – a thick sauce is what you want.
10. Make extra – these freeze beautifully and reheat even better.
How to Store and Reheat the Chef Boyardee Sauce Properly?
Refrigerate: After the sauce cools completely Transfer it to a sealed glass jar or airtight container. It will stay good for up to 7 days. Spoon the sauce into freezer bags or silicone molds to Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Sauté the aromatics:
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your chopped shallots (or onion) and let them cook until soft – about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Layer in the flavor:
Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, Aleppo pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes), and tomato paste. Cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes.
Pour in the whole tomatoes – juice and all. Use the back of your spoon to gently break them up right in the pot. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Simmer and reduce:
Let the sauce simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and let it reduce by about a third. This thickens the sauce and concentrates the flavor.
Step 5: Blend
For a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender or standard blender. I usually leave mine slightly chunky – it feels more rustic and heartier that way.
Step 6: Finish with fresh basil
Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, stir in plenty of fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Boom – you have just made a better-than-the-can Chef Boyardee sauce recipe in your own kitchen.
Video
Notes
- Use whole tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook low and slow – the longer it simmers, the better it gets.
- Do not skip the tomato paste – it adds depth and richness.
- Salt in stages so the flavor builds as it cooks.
- Fresh basil makes a difference – do not skimp.
- Leave it chunky or smooth it out – your call, both ways work.
- Use a heavy pot to avoid burning or uneven heat.
- Brown the garlic gently – burnt garlic ruins the whole sauce.
- Do not rush the reduction – a thick sauce is what you want.
- Make extra – these freeze beautifully and reheat even better.
Frequently Asked Questions on This Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe that people often ask.
1. What are the ingredients in Chef Boyardee Sauce?
It typically includes tomato puree, onion, garlic, spices, and sometimes sugar. Our homemade version keeps it real with whole tomatoes, basil, shallots, and garlic.
2. What was the original Chef Boyardee?
It was a restaurant and brand founded by real Italian chef Ettore Boiardi in the 1920s, offering Italian food made easy for American families.
3. What is in Chef Boyardee pizza sauce?
The canned pizza sauce is a tangy blend of tomato puree, spices, and sometimes cheese flavoring. Our homemade sauce shares similar traits but is much fresher.
4. What are the actual ingredients of Chef Boyardee ravioli?
The canned ravioli is made with pasta, meat filling, and a tomato-based sauce. This original sauce recipe closely matches the sauce component.
5. Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Absolutely. It works great as a base for homemade pizzas – just reduce it a little longer for a thicker spread.
6. Can I make this sauce spicy?
Of course. Just add more red pepper flakes or even chopped chili pepper for heat.
7. How long does homemade tomato sauce last?
Up to 7 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.
8. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
You can, but fresh basil really elevates the flavor. If using dried, go light – about 1 teaspoon.
9. Is this sauce vegan?
Yes! Every ingredient is plant-based. Just pair it with your favorite vegan pasta.
10. What makes this sauce better than canned versions?
No preservatives, no artificial flavors – just fresh, full-bodied flavor you control.
The Chef Boyardee Sauce Recipe is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past – it is a bold, beautiful way to bring comfort food to your table with real ingredients and no shortcuts. It is the kind of sauce that makes your kitchen smell like Sunday dinner and keeps people coming back for seconds.
I would love to hear what you think, so do not forget to drop a comment below or tag me on social media when you try it!
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