Description

This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty, homemade Italian-style tomato sauce that’s simmered low and slow for maximum flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and aromatic ingredients, this easy sauce develops rich depth and is perfect for serving over your favorite pasta.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

Herbs & Seasonings

2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1–2 teaspoons sugar (to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained
1 bay leaf

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Instructions

Prep the Vegetables: Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside, as these aromatics provide the base flavor for your slow-cooked sauce.
Saute Aromatics (Optional, Recommended): In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step deepens the flavor of the final sauce, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéd vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, herbs, spices, and sugar. Stir to combine. If using meat, add the cooked and drained ground beef or sausage now, along with the bay leaf if desired.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible, to keep the sauce from sticking on the sides.
Final Seasoning & Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Remove the bay leaf, and serve the sauce hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Notes

This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
You can blend the sauce for a smoother texture after cooking.
Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for more nutrition and body.
Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat.
For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg