Tomato sauce can refer to different types of sauces with tomatoes as a base, and the cooking process can vary. However, most commercially available tomato sauces, such as those found in jars or cans, are typically already cooked. These sauces undergo a cooking process during their production to ensure food safety and to develop their flavors.
Commercial tomato sauces are often made by simmering tomatoes with various seasonings, herbs, and spices. The cooking process helps to break down the tomatoes, concentrate the flavors, and create a smooth texture. The sauce is then typically bottled or canned, allowing it to be preserved for an extended period.
When using store-bought tomato sauce, you can consider it to be pre-cooked, and you can use it as is or heat it up as needed. If you're making homemade tomato sauce from scratch, you'll typically cook the ingredients together for a period of time to achieve the desired flavors and consistency.