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Home » Slow Cooker Recipes » Crockpot Marinara Sauce

Crockpot Marinara Sauce

Published: Feb 17, 2022 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Mar 20, 2022 · 1050 words. · About 6 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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For a simple and flavorful sauce, it doesn’t get any better than this Crockpot Marinara Sauce. We start by sautéing onions and garlic and then layer in the seasonings. Then we add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar and let it all simmer in the slow cooker. The result is a tomato sauce that has a surprising complexity of flavor.

Overhead photo of crockpot marinara garnished with parsley.


We love Italian flavors in our house, and this Crockpot Marinara Sauce is a staple.


I have lost count of how many times I have made it through the years. Hundreds?


It is my go-to homemade tomato sauce, and I know that you will love it too.


This easy tomato sauce is super-easy to make and such an improvement over jarred marinara.

Best of all, it freezes beautifully - I often double the recipe and freeze half to pull it out for an easy meal. (One of my favorite ways to use this is on pizzas!)


Once you learn how to make pasta sauce from scratch, you will never return to jarred.

Ingredients for Making Slow Cooker Marinara

  • Oil: Use your favorite cooking oil; I used avocado oil.
  • Onion: White or yellow onions are best here.
  • Sweetener: Use your favorite sweetener. Sugar, honey, or Swerve all work.
  • Garlic: I prefer fresh minced garlic, but you could substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you prefer.
  • Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a blend of parsley, oregano, and basil.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: This lends a very subtle kick of heat. If you have small children, you can reduce the amount or omit it.
  • Salt and Pepper: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: I like fire-roasted, but plain works as well.
  • Tomato Paste: I buy it in a resealable jar or tube to avoid waste.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: This adds an addictive depth of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • To turn this into slow cooker spaghetti sauce with meat, add 1 pound of ground beef and brown it before adding the onion.
  • Add the rind of good-quality parmesan cheese for an even richer flavor. Remove before serving.
  • Want a thick sauce? You can increase the cooking time, so it reduces further.
  • Finish with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. Basil and parsley are both great options.
  • If you want a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree.

What Do You Serve with Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce?

This sauce is excellent over pasta for a simple and easy dinner. The flavor is fantastic, thanks to all that time in the slow cooker. This marinara would also be great in my Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan, Veggie Lasagna, Gluten Free Meatballs, or even these Quinoa Crusted Chicken Parmesan Burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marinara Sauce?


Marinara is a type of tomato sauce that is relatively thin and somewhat simple. Tomato sauce tends to have more vegetables (such as carrot and celery) and is often cooked on the stove for hours.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should You Use for Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce?


Crushed tomatoes are a great option for making slow cooker tomato sauce. If you can find it, fire-roasted tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes are great options.

If you have whole canned tomatoes, give them a whirl in your food processor blender until smooth.

Why Add Balsamic Vinegar to Make the Best Marinara?


Balsamic vinegar adds a sweetness and depth of flavor that takes this crock pot marinara sauce to the next level. It makes your taste buds sing.

Can I Add Meat to this Tomato Sauce Recipe?


Yes, you can add a pound of ground beef, pork, or even turkey to make this a meat sauce. Italian sausage can also be added. (If you use turkey, I recommend browning it in olive oil or avocado oil.)

How Long Do I Cook Marinara Sauce in the Slow Cooker?


I recommend cooking it on high for two hours or low for four hours. If you would like to further develop the flavors of this homemade spaghetti sauce or want to reduce it for a thicker sauce, cook it on low for up to an additional four hours.

Tools Needed to Make Crockpot Tomato Sauce

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  • Crockpot and Skillet or Instant Pot Dutch Oven

Storage

This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
It can be frozen for up to three months.

How to Make Crockpot Marinara

Start by heating your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. If you have a crockpot with a saute function (like the Instant Pot Dutch Oven), you can do this right in it.


Add the onion and cook until tender, about 8 minutes.

Chopped onion sauteing.
An Instant Pot Dutch Oven on the slow cooker mode.


Next, add the sweetener, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 more minutes. 


After that, add the garlic and cook for another minute.


Transfer to a slow cooker and stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar.


Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

  • Crockpot Taco Soup has all the flavors of your favorite tacos in the confines of a comforting bowl of soup.
  • Slow Cooker Collard Greens are meaty and flavorful. This is one of the most delicious ways to get your greens that I know of.
  • For an easy weeknight meal Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are perfect!
  • Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches are family friendly and always a hit.
Close up photo of Crockpot Marinara.
Photo of the cover of a Ninja Foodi Grill Cookbook.
If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.

Make sure you check out my Crockpot Marinara Web Story.

Square photo of crockpot marinara.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Crockpot Marinara

This is simply the best Slow Cooker Marinara! It is perfect for an easy meal at the end of a busy day. You can also freeze it to have it on hand when you need it.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 hrs
Total Time2 hrs 10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: sauce
Servings: 12
Calories: 67kcal
Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar honey or Swerve
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 56 ounces crushed tomatoes 2-28 ounce cans
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet to medium high heat. Add avocado oil and allow to heat for a minute. Add onion and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the sweetener, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 more minutes. Add garlic and cook for one more minute.
  • Transfer to a slow cooker and stir in fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.

Nutrition

Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 401IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
« Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
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About Wendy Polisi

Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeannette

    January 04, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    Oh my gosh this so good! Homemade is always better than anything else. I will definitely be trying this.

    Reply
  2. Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle

    January 04, 2017 at 8:34 pm

    That sounds so good! I never make marinara sauce in anything other than my slow cooker. It's too easy for it to burn!

    Reply
    • Wendy Polisi

      July 13, 2017 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      I agree! I am forever getting distracted.

      Reply
  3. Paula Schuck

    January 04, 2017 at 8:41 pm

    I must try this! I love a good marinara, and making it in the slow cooker is such a smart move. That way you never have to worry about it burning.

    Reply
  4. Lisa Favre

    January 05, 2017 at 12:21 am

    My mother recently used her slow cooker (for the first time!) and she loved it. I should show her this recipe because she's wanting to do more with it!

    Reply
  5. Ann B

    January 05, 2017 at 2:41 am

    I am always looking for new slow cooker recipes to try. I will have to make some Marinara sauce this weekend.

    Reply
  6. Claudia Krusch

    January 05, 2017 at 2:43 am

    Marinara is one of my favorite sauces to make. I will have to give this recipe a try next time I make some.

    Reply
  7. Rebecca Swenor

    January 05, 2017 at 8:15 am

    This slow cooker marinara sauce sounds amazing. I know anything cooked in a slow cooker is always the best tasting. This is a recipe I am going to have to try for sure. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  8. My teen guide

    January 05, 2017 at 11:08 am

    Oh my goodness this is really looks fantastic! I'll.make sure to ake this one for weekend.

    Reply
  9. Kathy

    January 05, 2017 at 2:58 pm

    This looks great. I've never made my own marinara before. I've always wanted to though. Can't wait to try this!

    Reply
  10. Vicky

    January 05, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    I love slow cooker meals and this looks like a great one. I love a chunky marinara filled with garlic and onion. Yum!

    Reply
  11. Lynn Dee

    January 05, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    I love using my slow cooker, but I haven't tried making my own marinara yet. Thanks for the recipe. Bet it's delish!

    Reply
  12. Chrystal M.

    January 05, 2017 at 11:54 pm

    I love my slow cooker! I also love making homemade sauces. I tend to do my marina on the stove and just let it slow heat all day. I might have to try the crockpot method one of these days.

    Reply
  13. songbirdsandbuttons

    January 06, 2017 at 12:53 am

    This looks so delicious - and your photos are just absolutely stunning! Great work! [www.kendallrayburn.com]

    Reply
  14. TravelingWellForLess

    January 06, 2017 at 4:40 pm

    I've been looking for a good marinara recipe with little sugar. Bonus points for being easy and crockpot friendly.

    Reply
  15. themommyfiles

    January 11, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    I've never made marinara in the slow cooker before. I love using a slow cooker for meals!

    Reply
  16. Tessa

    July 13, 2017 at 9:56 am

    5 stars
    This was so easy and good! Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 20 Delicious Ways to Use Tomatoes - Wendy Polisi says:
    August 4, 2017 at 4:12 PM

    […] is perfect for a BBQ side.19- I’ve never seen a tart as gorgeous as this Tomato Tart.20- My Slow Cooker Marinara is easy to make and freezes […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 10 & 11 and my late life princess is 3. Firm believers in lifestyle design, our family has been location independent since 2008. Join me to read about our adventures in the kitchen…and out! Read More…

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