slow cook pasta sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cook pasta sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share my slow cook pasta sauce recipe with you all! As a busy mom of three, I’m always looking for ways to make mealtime easier and more delicious. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it.

The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can just throw all the ingredients in and let it simmer away while you focus on other things. I love that this recipe makes a big batch of sauce that we can use throughout the week for pasta night, or freeze for later. The flavor is rich and tangy, just like a homemade Italian sauce should be.

My kids love helping me make it, and they’re always happy to help with the taste-testing process too! It’s also super healthy, with no added sugars or preservatives like some store-bought sauces might have. And let’s not forget about the convenience factor – just toss everything in the slow cooker and go!

Whether we’re having a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner, this sauce is always a hit. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins. My family loves it when I add some extra veggies or protein sources to make it more substantial.

Overall, this slow cook pasta sauce recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal solution.

Slow Cooked Pasta Sauce

4.9 from 1489 votes

A rich and hearty pasta sauce that simmers for hours to develop deep flavors. This sauce is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon brown sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Pour in the red wine if using and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
6Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
7Stir well to combine all ingredients.
8Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
9The sauce should be deep red and aromatic when done.
10Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.
11Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for lasagna or other Italian dishes.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a meatier version, brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage in the skillet before adding the onion. This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooked Pasta Sauce Works

One of my favorite things about this slow cook pasta sauce recipe is how versatile it is. We love serving it over spaghetti for a classic Italian dinner, but it’s also great as a dip for breadsticks or as a topping for pizza night.

Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or toppings. My kids are always happy to help me come up with new ideas – we’ve even made some fun variations like ‘meatball magic’ by adding some cooked meatballs to the sauce.

For storage and reheating ideas, I like to keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooked Pasta Sauce

Q: What type of pasta pairs well with this slow cook pasta sauce?

I like to serve it with spaghetti or linguine for a classic look and feel.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer – just be sure to chop them up really small before adding them to the slow cooker.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tomato paste.

Q: How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?

The sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days – just store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Q: Can I freeze the sauce for later?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months – just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

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