Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

My best friend showed me this slow cooker marinara recipe, and I just had to share it. The spices in here can all be adjusted to taste (and eyeballed), but this is how I learned to do it. The best flavor calls to cook it all day, but it can be made in a pinch if you have to! Serve over your favorite pasta or with crispy chicken. Can also be used in lasagna or ravioli.

marinara sauce over pasta with slow cooker in back
2
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
6 hrs 10 mins
Total Time:
6 hrs 25 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion

  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic, or more to taste

  • 3 (14.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce

  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon red wine

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon ground basil

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika

  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano

  • 2 large bay leaves

  • 1 pinch white sugar

  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in the hot oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a slow cooker.

  2. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste to the slow cooker and set temperature to Low. Cook and stir until the paste melts, 3 to 4 minutes. Add wine, vinegar, basil, salt, pepper, cilantro, chili powder, paprika, oregano, bay leaves, sugar, and cinnamon; stir until well combined.

  3. Cover, and cook, stirring once in a while, until reduced, 6 to 8 hours. Remove bay leaves and serve.

Cook's Notes:

You can also cook this in a large pot or Dutch oven instead of a slow cooker. Adjust cooking time as needed.

If you have to cook it longer don't worry, it'll be fine. I've done it up to 10 hours. If cooking in a hurry, let simmer on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes so flavors will blend and the alcohol in the wine burns off.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

40 Calories
2g Fat
4g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 40
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Sodium 331mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 192mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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