Description
This Easy Crockpot Marinara Sauce recipe uses simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes and Italian seasonings to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or any Italian-inspired dish. Slow-cooked to develop deep, hearty flavors, this marinara sauce is effortless to make and serves as a versatile base for many meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Oils and Sweeteners
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey or Swerve)
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Tomato Products
- 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (2-28 ounce cans; whole tomatoes may be used instead)
- 6 ounces tomato paste
Other
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Onion: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the avocado oil. Let it warm for about a minute, then add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 8 to 10 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Sugar and Seasonings: Stir in the sugar (or honey/Swerve), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the mixture for an additional 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the skillet and cook for one more minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked onion mixture into your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover and cook the sauce on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Notes
- You can substitute whole canned tomatoes for crushed tomatoes; just crush them by hand or with a spoon before adding to the slow cooker.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- This sauce freezes well; store in airtight containers up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, blend briefly after cooking using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Use this sauce for pasta, pizza base, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (slow cooker high) or 4 hours (slow cooker low)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
