Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce Recipe

Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a classic marinara. Made with simple ingredients and cooked slowly to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, this sauce is a game-changer for your favorite Italian-inspired meals. With minimal effort, you can create a homemade tomato sauce that’s far better than anything you can buy in a jar.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Tips & Notes
• Variations
• FAQs
• Serving Suggestions
• Conclusion

Introduction

A good tomato sauce is a staple in every kitchen, and making it from scratch is easier than you might think. This Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce is the perfect way to create a rich, flavorful sauce without spending hours standing over the stove. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply, resulting in a sauce that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even as a dip for breadsticks.

Using a slow cooker means you can simply add the ingredients, set it, and forget it, allowing you to focus on other things while your kitchen fills with the delicious aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Whether you’re making a big batch to freeze or need a sauce for tonight’s dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Add the whole peeled tomatoes to the slow cooker. Using your hands or a spoon, break the tomatoes into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce (Optional)

1. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the slow cooker until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also transfer the sauce to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.

Step 5: Serve

1. Stir in the fresh basil, if using, and serve over your favorite pasta or use as a base for other dishes.

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Tomato Quality: Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option for this recipe.
• Adjusting Acidity: If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out. You can also add a small pinch of baking soda to help reduce acidity.
• Texture: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step and leave the sauce as is.
• Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Spicy Tomato Sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Meaty Tomato Sauce: Brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a hearty meat sauce.
• Vegetable Tomato Sauce: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the slow cooker for added texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel about 3-4 pounds of fresh tomatoes, then proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may have a higher water content, so you may need to cook the sauce longer to thicken it.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Tomato Sauce?

Store leftover tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

3. Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients if your slow cooker is large enough. This is a great option if you want to make extra sauce to freeze for later.

4. What Can I Use This Sauce For?

This tomato sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it for pasta, lasagna, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks.

Serving Suggestions

• Pasta: Serve the tomato sauce over spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta shape. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.
• Pizza Sauce: Use this sauce as a base for homemade pizza. Spread it over your pizza dough, add your favorite toppings, and bake.
• Lasagna: Use the sauce in your favorite lasagna recipe for a rich and flavorful layer.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve the sauce as a dip for garlic bread, breadsticks, or mozzarella sticks.

Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce is a simple, delicious, and versatile recipe that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s far better than anything store-bought. Whether you use it for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other recipes, this tomato sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of homemade tomato sauce without the fuss!