Slow Cooker Italian Marinara Sauce
This rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Italian Marinara Sauce is a must-try for any pasta lover! Infused with garlic, onion, and a touch of sweetness, this homemade marinara sauce is not only easy to prepare but also packed with delicious flavors that will elevate your favorite spaghetti dish. Let the slow cooker do the work for you as it simmers the ingredients to perfection, creating a comforting and heartwarming sauce that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it over whole wheat spaghetti for a nutritious twist or use it as a base for other Italian recipes. Enjoy this delightful sauce that’s sure to leave everyone wanting more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian-style crushed tomatoes
2 (28 ounce) cans (canned)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (canned)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
8 (finely chopped)
Olive oil or Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (liquid)
Splenda sugar substitute
2 teaspoons (granulated)
Oregano leaves
1 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1 teaspoon (seasoning)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Whole wheat spaghetti
12 cups (cooked)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the large onion and finely mincing the garlic cloves.
2
In a 3 1/2 to 6-quart crock pot, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil (or vegetable oil), Splenda, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3
Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop its flavors.
5
Once the cooking time is complete, give the sauce a good stir. Serve the marinara sauce over cooked whole wheat spaghetti, or use it as a base for pizzas, lasagnas, or other favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Slow Cooker Italian Marinara Sauce.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for Italian-style crushed tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 8 finely chopped garlic cloves.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What sweetener is recommended?
Two teaspoons of Splenda sugar substitute are used to add sweetness.
How long is the slow cooking time on low?
The sauce should cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
How long is the slow cooking time on high?
The sauce should cook on high for 4 to 5 hours.
What size slow cooker should be used?
A 3.5 to 6-quart crock pot is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use either one tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly marinara sauce.
How should the onion be prepared?
The recipe specifies using one large chopped onion.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely minced or finely chopped.
How much oregano is needed?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of dried oregano leaves.
How much salt is in the recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is added for seasoning.
How much pepper is added?
One teaspoon of ground pepper is included in the mixture.
What type of pasta is recommended for serving?
Serving the sauce over cooked whole wheat spaghetti is suggested.
How much cooked spaghetti is suggested for the recipe?
The recipe lists 12 cups of cooked whole wheat spaghetti.
Can I use this for pizza?
Yes, it can be used as a base for pizzas and other Italian dishes.
Can I use this for lasagna?
Yes, this marinara sauce is suitable for use in lasagnas.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
What is the first instruction step?
The first step is to chop the large onion and finely mince the garlic cloves.
Do I need to stir the sauce before cooking?
Yes, you should stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are combined before covering.
How much oil is used?
One tablespoon of liquid oil is required.
What makes the sauce flavorful?
The slow simmering process allows the garlic, onion, and herbs to develop a rich flavor.
Are the tomatoes canned?
Yes, the recipe utilizes canned crushed tomatoes and canned tomato paste.
What is the purpose of using a slow cooker for this sauce?
It allows the ingredients to simmer to perfection while creating a comforting sauce.
Is this sauce easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that lets the slow cooker do most of the work.
How many total ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients included in the list.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh oregano?
The recipe calls for dried oregano leaves.
What should I do after the cooking is complete?
Once complete, give the sauce a good stir before serving.