How can I add more flavor to my homemade pasta sauce without using expensive ingredients?

I totally get where you're coming from - making your own pasta sauce from scratch can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to getting that depth of flavor. One thing that's helped me in the past is to cook my sauce for a longer period of time, so the flavors have a chance to really meld together. You can also try adding some aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot, and then pureeing them into the sauce for added richness.

Another trick I've found is to use a bit of red wine to add some complexity to the sauce. You don't need to use an expensive wine, just something basic will do. The acidity in the wine will help to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes, and it'll add a nice layer of flavor to the sauce. I've also heard that adding a bit of acidity, like lemon juice or vinegar, can help preserve the flavor and texture of the sauce, so that might be worth trying too.

As for storing your sauce, I've found that freezing it is a great way to keep it fresh for longer. Just portion it out into airtight containers or freezer bags, and then you can thaw it out whenever you need it. You can also can it, if you're feeling adventurous, but that requires a bit more equipment and know-how. I've never tried adding acidity to the sauce to preserve it, but I've heard it can help - maybe someone else can chime in on that one.

I hope these suggestions help, and happy cooking! I'm sure you'll get the hang of making delicious pasta sauce in no time. If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to ask - I'm always happy to help out a fellow foodie.