Introduction

Slow cooker marinara sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a homemade pasta sauce without the fuss of constant supervision. By utilizing the slow cooker, you allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld beautifully over hours, resulting in a rich and delicious marinara. Perfect for pasta, pizzas, and various Italian dishes, this marinara sauce recipe is not only easy to make but also adaptable to your personal taste.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
– Onion – 1 medium, chopped
– Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
– Crushed tomatoes – 2 cans (28 ounces each)
– Tomato paste – 1 can (6 ounces)
– Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
– Dried basil – 1 teaspoon
– Sugar – 1 teaspoon
– Salt – to taste
– Pepper – to taste
– Fresh parsley – for garnish (optional)
– Fresh basil – for garnish (optional)

Prep Time

The preparation time for this slow cooker marinara sauce is approximately 15 minutes. This involves chopping the onions and garlic, measuring your ingredients, and preparing your slow cooker for cooking.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time is about 6 to 8 hours on low heat in the slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to develop. The total time, including prep and cook time, is approximately 6 to 8 hours and 15 minutes. This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings of marinara sauce, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients needed for the marinara sauce. Make sure to wash and chop any vegetables as required.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

In a slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, diced onions, minced garlic, and any other desired vegetables. Pour in the olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Step 3: Stir Well

Using a spoon, mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker until well combined.

Step 4: Set the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Check for Consistency

After the cooking time, check the sauce for thickness. If it’s too watery, remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce directly in the slow cooker, or transfer it to a traditional blender in batches.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste the marinara sauce and adjust any seasonings, adding extra salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Step 8: Serve or Store

Serve the marinara sauce immediately over your favorite pasta or store it in airtight containers for later use.

Notes

Storage Tips

Marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer preservation.

Serving Suggestions

This marinara sauce pairs well with pasta dishes, as a pizza base, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Customization Options

Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Herb Variations

Different herbs can be used, such as parsley, basil, or oregano, to infuse unique flavors into the sauce.

Cook techniques

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together over time. This technique is perfect for sauces as it enhances the depth and richness of the flavors without burning.

Layering Ingredients

Layering ingredients properly helps to build flavor. For marinara sauce, start with aromatics like onions and garlic, followed by tomatoes and herbs, to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

Reducing Liquid

If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid. This concentration of flavors will result in a thicker, more robust sauce.

Tasting and Adjusting

Regularly tasting the sauce as it cooks is crucial. This way, you can adjust seasoning, acidity, and sweetness to achieve the perfect balance in your marinara.

Using Fresh Herbs

Incorporating fresh herbs towards the end of cooking preserves their vibrant flavors. This technique enhances the freshness of the sauce without cooking the herbs down too much.

FAQ

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned tomatoes are a great alternative and can offer a consistent flavor and texture for your marinara sauce.

How long can I store leftover marinara sauce?

Leftover marinara sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Can I add meat to the marinara sauce?

Absolutely! You can add cooked ground meat or meatballs to create a meat sauce variation.

Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic first?

While not strictly necessary, sautéing the onions and garlic enhances their flavor and aroma, contributing to a richer sauce.

What can I serve with marinara sauce?

Marinara sauce pairs well with pasta, pizza, meatballs, or can be used as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce is a delightful, rich, and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. With its simplicity and the ability to enhance various dishes, this sauce offers a perfect way to elevate your meals. Whether you use it straight from the slow cooker or store it for later, its versatility makes it an essential recipe for every home cook.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Pasta Dishes

Pair your marinara sauce with a variety of pasta shapes such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli for a classic meal.

Pizza Topping

Use the marinara sauce as a base for homemade pizzas. Spread it over dough and top with your favorite cheeses and toppings.

Meatball Subs

Combine the sauce with meatballs in a sub roll for a hearty, satisfying sandwich.

Lasagna

Layer the marinara sauce in between sheets of pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella for a delicious lasagna.

Stuffed Peppers

Mix the marinara sauce with rice and your choice of protein, and use it to stuff bell peppers for a vibrant meal.

Eggplant Parmesan

Use the sauce to create a delicious eggplant parmesan by layering it with fried eggplant and cheese, then baking until bubbly.