If you’ve ever wondered how to make marinara sauce in a slow cooker, you’re in the right place! This guide will take you through the steps to create a delicious, homemade marinara sauce that is perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, and more.
What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Marinara Sauce?
To get started, gather the following essential ingredients for your slow cooker marinara sauce:
- Canned tomatoes (28 oz can of crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Fresh basil (a handful, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried)
- Oregano (1 teaspoon dried)
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Feel free to add additional ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat or bell peppers for flavor.
How to Make Marinara Sauce in Slow Cooker: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the procedure on how to make marinara sauce in a slow cooker.
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to prepare your ingredients.
- Chop your onion and garlic. These aromatic ingredients will form the base of your sauce.
- Open your canned tomatoes and have them ready to go.
2. Combine All Ingredients
In your slow cooker, combine the following:
- Diced onion
- Minced garlic
- Canned tomatoes (crushed or whole—if using whole, break them up with a spoon)
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Oregano
- Sugar (if desired)
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Give It a Stir
Use a wooden spoon to stir all the ingredients together. This allows the flavors to mingle before cooking.
4. Set Your Slow Cooker
Now it’s time to set your slow cooker.
For marinara sauce, you have a couple of options:
- Low Heat: Cook for 6-8 hours for a rich, developed flavor.
- High Heat: Cook for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
How Do You Know When it’s Done?
When cooking, the slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Here are some signs your marinara sauce is ready:
- The sauce is thickened: You may notice that the sauce will reduce and thicken, which is ideal.
- Aromatic scent: You’ll notice a rich aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Taste test: Most importantly, sample your sauce to ensure it has the desired flavor, adjusting with salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
5. Blend for Smooth Texture (Optional)
If you prefer a smooth marinara sauce, you can blend it after it has finished cooking.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker.
- Alternatively, ladle the sauce into a regular blender, but remember to vent it to avoid splatters.
What to Serve with Homemade Marinara Sauce?
Now that you know how to make marinara sauce in a slow cooker, it’s time to think about how you’ll use it! Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Pasta Dishes: Toss with spaghetti, penne, or any of your favorite pasta shapes.
- Pizza: Use as a pizza sauce for a homemade pizza party.
- Meatballs: Combine with meatballs for a classic dish.
- Vegetable Dishes: Serve over roasted vegetables or eggplant parmesan.
Can You Freeze Marinara Sauce?
Yes, you can!
To store leftovers or batch-make marinara sauce, consider these tips:
- Cool the sauce completely before freezing.
- Use airtight containers or resealable freezer bags for storage.
- Label the bags with the date, and try to use the sauce within 3 months for the best flavor.
Tips for Perfect Marinara Sauce
Making marinara sauce in a slow cooker should be a stress-free and enjoyable process. Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve the perfect sauce:
- Use quality ingredients: The better your tomatoes and olive oil, the better your sauce will taste.
- Customize your herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs based on your taste preferences.
- Chop vegetables finely: For a smoother texture, ensure your diced onions and garlic are finely chopped.
- Add depth with red wine: If you want a more complex flavor, add a splash of red wine during the cooking process.
- Consider adding a bay leaf: Toss in a bay leaf for added flavor, but remember to remove it before serving.
How to Make Marinara Sauce in a Slow Cooker: Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered how to make marinara sauce in a slow cooker, the possibilities are endless!
This easy and delicious recipe allows you to enjoy homemade marinara sauce with minimal effort.
Just set it, forget it, and let your slow cooker do the work.
Enjoy the Homemade Goodness!
Embrace the delicious taste of homemade marinara sauce tonight.
With a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
So grab your slow cooker and start creating your own version today—your family will thank you!