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 canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar and let it all simmer in the slow cooker. The result is a homemade tomato sauce that has a surprising complexity of flavor. Make a big batch ahead and freeze it to have on hand when you need it
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.
Looking for more simple slow cooker recipes? Don't miss my Crockpot pizza casserole, Crockpot chicken spaghetti, and Crockpot mac and cheese.
Reader review
"5 starsThis was so easy and good! Thanks so much for sharing." —Tessa
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 tomatoes in this canned crushed tomatoes recipe, 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 for this make ahead marinara sauce.
- 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 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.
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.)
Tools Needed
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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. I like to freeze marinara in souper cubes.
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.
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.
Easy Crockpot Marinara Sauce (with Canned Tomatoes)
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.
Jeannette
Oh my gosh this so good! Homemade is always better than anything else. I will definitely be trying this.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
That sounds so good! I never make marinara sauce in anything other than my slow cooker. It's too easy for it to burn!
Wendy Polisi
I agree! I am forever getting distracted.
Paula Schuck
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.
Lisa Favre
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!
Ann B
I am always looking for new slow cooker recipes to try. I will have to make some Marinara sauce this weekend.
Claudia Krusch
Marinara is one of my favorite sauces to make. I will have to give this recipe a try next time I make some.
Rebecca Swenor
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.
My teen guide
Oh my goodness this is really looks fantastic! I'll.make sure to ake this one for weekend.
Kathy
This looks great. I've never made my own marinara before. I've always wanted to though. Can't wait to try this!
Vicky
I love slow cooker meals and this looks like a great one. I love a chunky marinara filled with garlic and onion. Yum!
Lynn Dee
I love using my slow cooker, but I haven't tried making my own marinara yet. Thanks for the recipe. Bet it's delish!
Chrystal M.
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.
songbirdsandbuttons
This looks so delicious - and your photos are just absolutely stunning! Great work! [www.kendallrayburn.com]
TravelingWellForLess
I've been looking for a good marinara recipe with little sugar. Bonus points for being easy and crockpot friendly.
themommyfiles
I've never made marinara in the slow cooker before. I love using a slow cooker for meals!
Tessa
This was so easy and good! Thanks so much for sharing.