Tired of jarred marinara sauce? Craving a rich, flavorful sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours (without the hours of actual simmering)? Then you've come to the right place! This crock pot marinara sauce recipe is your ticket to easy, delicious, homemade meals. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. This healthy and satisfying recipe is one of the best recipes for building a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a deeper flavor base for your sauce.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes. This slow cooking method is what makes this recipe so effortless.
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Blend (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the sauce in the slow cooker. Alternatively, carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or sugar depending on your preference.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Marinara:
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes: The better the tomatoes, the better the sauce. Look for brands that use vine-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor. Investing in good quality ingredients is key for delicious homemade cooking.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also be added at the end for a brighter flavor.
- Make it ahead: This marinara sauce tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping and quick dinner ideas throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
- Fiber: 4-6g
This recipe provides easy and healthy meal options. This is a great quick dinner idea for busy weeknights and a delicious dish for the entire family. This is one of the best recipes for homemade cooking that doesn’t require extensive culinary skills. This is a simple and delicious way to enjoy homemade marinara sauce, without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!