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.
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 or as a dipping sauce for air fryer ravioli It is also fabulous in Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan, Veggie Lasagna, and Gluten Free Meatballs.
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
Let's Talk Ingredients
For the sweetener, go with what you prefer: sugar, honey, or Swerve all get the job done and I’ve used all of them in making this.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix parsley, oregano, and basil.
For the tomatoes, I love using fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for extra depth, though plain crushed tomatoes are totally fine, and I’ve used them countless times here.
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.
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.
Easy Crockpot Marinara Sauce (with Canned Tomatoes)
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion dices
- 1 tablespoon 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; whole tomatoes work too
- 6 ounces 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 sugar, 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 tomatoes, tomato paste and balsamic vinegar. Cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
Jeannette says
Oh my gosh this so good! Homemade is always better than anything else. I will definitely be trying this.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
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 says
I agree! I am forever getting distracted.
Paula Schuck says
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 says
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 says
I am always looking for new slow cooker recipes to try. I will have to make some Marinara sauce this weekend.
Claudia Krusch says
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 says
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 says
Oh my goodness this is really looks fantastic! I'll.make sure to ake this one for weekend.
Kathy says
This looks great. I've never made my own marinara before. I've always wanted to though. Can't wait to try this!
Vicky says
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 says
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. says
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 says
This looks so delicious - and your photos are just absolutely stunning! Great work! [www.kendallrayburn.com]
TravelingWellForLess says
I've been looking for a good marinara recipe with little sugar. Bonus points for being easy and crockpot friendly.
themommyfiles says
I've never made marinara in the slow cooker before. I love using a slow cooker for meals!