A hearty and flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta or as a base for other dishes.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning the ingredients.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
Cut the bell pepper into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pan.
Crush the tomatoes slightly with the spoon to release their juices.
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cover the pan partially to prevent splatters while allowing the sauce to thicken.
Remove the bay leaves and serve the sauce warm over your favorite dish.
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.