Why You’ll Love This
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce is rich, aromatic, and full of classic Italian flavor. Cooking the sauce slowly allows the tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil to blend into a deep, comforting sauce that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did! It’s easy to prepare, perfect for pasta night, and great for making ahead or freezing for future meals.
Ingredients
● 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
● 1 small onion, finely chopped
● 4 cloves garlic, minced
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
● ½ teaspoon black pepper
● 1 teaspoon dried oregano
● 1 teaspoon dried basil
● ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
● 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
● 2 tablespoons tomato paste
● ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Preparation Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. -
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Add chopped onion, garlic, olive oil, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. -
Stir the Sauce
Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine. -
Cook the Sauce
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to develop slowly. -
Add Fresh Basil
Stir in chopped fresh basil during the last 15 minutes of cooking if using. -
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. -
Blend if Desired
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the slow cooker. -
Serve
Use the marinara sauce with pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Slow cooker
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Knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Immersion blender (optional)
Tips
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Use quality tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes greatly improve the flavor.
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Add depth: A splash of red wine can enhance the sauce.
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For a richer sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
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Make it chunky: Skip blending for a rustic texture.
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Add vegetables: Carrots or bell peppers can add natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
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Toss with spaghetti or penne pasta.
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Use as a base for lasagna or baked ziti.
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Serve with meatballs or grilled chicken.
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Use as a pizza sauce or dipping sauce for garlic bread.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store marinara sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need about 3–4 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed.
2. Why does my marinara taste acidic?
Adding a small amount of sugar or grated carrot can balance the acidity.
3. Can I make this sauce thicker?
Yes. Cook it uncovered for the last hour or add extra tomato paste.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that delivers rich, homemade taste with minimal effort. With its slow-simmered tomato base and aromatic herbs, it’s a versatile sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, and many other Italian-inspired dishes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 90 kcal
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Protein: 2 g
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Carbohydrates: 11 g
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Fat: 4 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: 320 mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used. 🍅🍝🌿
