Easy And Delicious Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

Make rich, Easy And Delicious Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce right in your slow cooker with almost no effort. Perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, and meal prep, this easy homemade sauce beats store-bought every time.

If you’ve been settling for jarred sauce, it’s time for an upgrade. This slow cooker marinara delivers deep, rich flavor with almost zero hands-on work—you just toss everything in and walk away.

The tomatoes simmer low and slow with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, turning into a silky, homemade sauce that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

It’s perfect for pasta night, freezer meals, or anytime you want real Italian-style comfort without the fuss.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot and walk away—your kitchen still ends up smelling like you cooked all day.
• Incredible flavor: Slow simmering deepens the tomatoes, garlic, and herbs into a rich, bold sauce that tastes homemade because it is.
• Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than store-bought jars, and it tastes a whole lot better too.
• Versatile: Use it for pasta, pizza, meatballs, lasagna, or anything else that needs a great red sauce.
• Freezer gold: Make a big batch once and stash portions for quick weeknight dinners whenever life gets chaotic.

Ingredients Needed

• Crushed tomatoes: Rich tomato base that creates a smooth marinara.
• Tomato paste: Thickens sauce and boosts deep tomato flavor.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend seasonings beautifully.
• Yellow onion: Sweet aromatic base that enhances overall flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Bold, savory punch essential to classic marinara.
• Dried oregano: Earthy herb that brings authentic Italian taste.
• Dried basil: Adds sweet herbal notes that balance acidity.
• Salt: Simple seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
• Black pepper: Mild spice that adds warmth and depth.
• Sugar (optional): Softens acidity for a smoother tomato sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Light heat for a subtle kick.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Bright, fresh herbiness added before serving.

How To Make Easy Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, diced onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix well so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, letting the flavors meld and deepen.

Step 4: Taste and add extra salt, pepper, herbs, or a pinch more sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.

Step 5: For a smoother marinara, use an immersion blender to puree right in the slow cooker. Use immediately with pasta, pizza, or meatballs—or cool and store for later.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use quality tomatoes: Good canned crushed tomatoes make a huge difference in flavor.
• Don’t skip the olive oil: It adds richness and helps meld the herbs and garlic.
• Low and slow is best: Cooking on LOW for several hours deepens flavors and sweetness.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and tweak salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
• Optional blending: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker.
• Double the batch: Sauce freezes well, so make extra for future meals.
• Add fresh herbs at the end: Parsley or basil added just before serving keeps the flavor bright.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5–7 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave in a covered, microwave-safe container.

Easy And Delicious Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, peel and roughly chop them first. Use about 2–3 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.

Do I need to add sugar? Sugar is optional. It helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes but can be skipped if you prefer a naturally tangy sauce.

Can I make this sauce on the stovetop? Absolutely! Simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Can I make the sauce spicy? Sure! Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to kick up the heat.

Is this sauce suitable for meal prep? Yes! It’s perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or any meal you want to prep ahead.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

• Easy Slow Cooker Matzo Ball Soup Recipe

• Slow Cooker Pro Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Recipes
• Slow Cooker Pro Peanuts
• Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

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