Rich and Hearty Slow-Simmered Marinara Sauce
This Rich and Hearty Slow-Simmered Marinara Sauce is perfect for those who love a deep, flavorful sauce that enhances any pasta dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, this sauce is bursting with the goodness of fresh garlic and onions, lending a robust base to the succulent Italian-style tomatoes. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will bring your spaghetti, chicken, or pork to life. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, enjoy this homemade goodness any night of the week!
10
Servings
234
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
2 (cloves, minced)
Onion
1 (large, chopped)
Italian-style tomatoes
4 (14 1/2 ounce cans, undrained and chopped)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce can)
Tomato paste
1 (12 ounce can)
Dried basil
3 (teaspoons)
Dried oregano
3 (teaspoons)
Crushed red pepper
1/2 (teaspoon, dry)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by mincing the garlic and chopping the onion. Set them aside.
2
In a 4-quart slow cooker, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian-style tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all dry ingredients (basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt).
3
Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set the heat to HIGH. Allow the sauce to simmer for approximately 6 hours, stirring occasionally if desired.
5
Once the sauce is thick and aromatic, serve it over your choice of spaghetti, grilled chicken, or roasted pork for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
0.8g
Fat
40.8g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich and Hearty Slow-Simmered Marinara Sauce?
It is a deep, flavorful homemade pasta sauce made with Italian-style tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked for maximum flavor.
How long does it take to cook this marinara sauce?
The sauce needs to simmer for approximately 6 hours in a slow cooker on the HIGH setting.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 4-quart slow cooker is the recommended size for this specific recipe.
Should I drain the Italian-style tomatoes?
No, you should use the tomatoes with their juice (undrained) to ensure the sauce has enough liquid.
What ingredients are needed for the base of the sauce?
The base consists of minced garlic, a large chopped onion, Italian-style tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Which dried herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for dried basil and dried oregano to provide aromatic herbal notes.
Is this marinara sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it great for families or meal prep.
What can I serve with this slow-simmered sauce?
It is excellent over spaghetti, grilled chicken, roasted pork, or used in lasagna.
How many calories are in one serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 234 calories.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat, with only 0.8g per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are approximately 8g of protein per serving.
Does this sauce contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe; the sweetness comes naturally from the tomatoes and onions.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
One large chopped onion is required; typically, yellow or white onions work best for marinara.
Why is tomato paste included in the recipe?
Tomato paste is used to thicken the sauce and add a concentrated, robust tomato flavor.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, the ingredients are entirely plant-based, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are approximately 40.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it cooks?
You can stir the mixture occasionally if desired, but the slow cooker does most of the work.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though the total sodium will depend on the canned goods used.
Can I freeze this marinara sauce?
Yes, this homemade sauce can be frozen in airtight containers for future use.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this is a marinara sauce, you can easily add cooked ground beef or sausage if you prefer a meat sauce.
What type of canned tomatoes should I buy?
Look for 14.5-ounce cans specifically labeled as 'Italian-style tomatoes'.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, though you may need to increase the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of canned items to be certain.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires one 12-ounce can of tomato paste.
Can I make this on a stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, but you would need to simmer it on very low heat for several hours and stir frequently to avoid burning.
Can I use this as a pizza sauce?
Yes, because it is thick and hearty, it works very well as a base for homemade pizza.
What makes this sauce 'hearty'?
The combination of chopped onions, minced garlic, and undrained tomatoes gives it a chunky, satisfying texture.