There’s something truly magical about a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce simmering away in the kitchen, and when it comes to comfort food, Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce hits the sweet spot every single time! I still remember the first time I tried making this sauce. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and as the sauce bubbled cheerfully in the slow cooker, the entire house filled with the warm, inviting smell of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It took me back to my grandma’s kitchen, a place where love was always served up alongside a heaping plate of pasta.
What I love most about this recipe is just how forgiving it is. You can throw in whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, leave out the meat if you’re feeling plant-based, and let the flavors meld together as you go about your day. The slow cooking process means all those delicious flavors blend beautifully, creating a sauce that’s not only tasty but also deeply comforting. So, let’s dive in!
What’s in Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce?
Olive Oil: The golden elixir that starts it all! It’s perfect for sautéing vegetables and adds a nice flavor base to the sauce. I always reach for extra-virgin olive oil for its rich taste.
Onion: A classic in almost any savory dish, chopped onion adds sweetness and depth. The magic begins when you sauté it!
Garlic: Because let’s be honest, everything is better with garlic! It brings a delightful aroma and flavor that’s hard to resist.
Carrot: Grated or finely chopped, it’s a hidden gem that adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Celery: This crunchy vegetable adds a subtle earthiness and complements the other veggies beautifully.
Bell Pepper: Red or green works! This vibrant addition brings brightness and extra layers of flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce! I love using canned crushed tomatoes for their rich and sweet flavor. Look for brands with no added sugar for the best quality.
Tomato Sauce: This adds a smooth consistency and enhances that tomato goodness.
Tomato Paste: It packs concentrated tomato flavor and thickens up the sauce nicely. A little goes a long way!
Dried Oregano: A classic Italian herb! It’s fragrant and adds an earthy, warm flavor to the mix.
Dried Basil: Sweet, aromatic, and essential for any marinara sauce.
Dried Thyme: Its subtle notes of mint and lemon make it a wonderful addition to the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some in there! Just a pinch adds a delightful kick.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Optional but oh-so-delicious if you want a meat sauce! Feel free to substitute with your favorite protein or leave it out for a lovely veggie sauce.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: You’ll want this for a gorgeous garnish that brings a fresh pop of color and flavor!
Is Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Good for You?
Absolutely! This sauce is packed with wholesome ingredients, especially if you load it up with veggies.
Tomatoes: They’re rich in vitamins C and K, potassium, and loaded with antioxidants. Plus, they can help maintain heart health!
Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, and peppers offer a variety of vitamins and minerals. They increase the nutritional value, making your meal balanced and hearty.
Ground Beef or Sausage: If you choose to include meat, look for lean cuts or turkey alternatives for a lighter dish. Just keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake.
While it’s all good stuff, be mindful of the sodium content in canned tomatoes and sauces. Opting for low-sodium versions can help keep your meal as healthy as possible!
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
– 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
*Serves 6-8*
How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce?
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Transfer the sautéed mixture (and meat, if using) to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
6. Serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy!
Delicious Tips & Tricks for Your Sauce
– If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the sautéing step, but trust me, taking that extra time to caramelize the veggies makes a world of difference in flavor!
– Feel free to throw in any additional veggies you love! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach can sneak in for added nutrition.
– Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Just reheat it when you’re ready for a comforting meal!
I cannot wait for you to give this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce a whirl! It’s a dish that’s full of warmth and familiarity—just like coming home after a long day. When you try it out, please let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
