Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic essence of authentic Italian marinara sauce - without spending hours slaving over a hot stove. This Lazy Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce is your culinary shortcut to restaurant-quality flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious sauce that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. With just minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a versatile sauce that's perfect for pasta, pizza, and everything in between!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Peel and finely chop the onion, ensuring uniform small pieces for even flavor distribution throughout the sauce.
- Mince the garlic cloves using a sharp knife or garlic press, releasing their aromatic oils and intense flavor.
- Open both 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes and pour their contents directly into the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Measure and sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker, mixing well to ensure even seasoning.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors over 6 hours.
- Occasionally stir the sauce every 2 hours to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, wash and finely chop the fresh basil leaves.
- After 6 hours, turn off the slow cooker and stir in the fresh chopped basil, which will add a bright, herbaceous note to the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to personal preference.
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving over pasta, using as a pizza base, or storing in airtight containers.
Tips
- Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best base flavor - San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The 6-hour low and slow method allows flavors to develop and meld beautifully.
- For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree the onions after cooking if you prefer a more uniform texture.
- Fresh basil added at the end is crucial - it brings a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire sauce.
- This sauce freezes exceptionally well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for a quick future meal prep.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind during cooking or a splash of red wine in the first hour.
- If the sauce seems too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to help it reduce and thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
