The Best Homemade Crockpot Marinara Sauce: Rich, Flavorful & Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine, beloved for its simple yet deeply satisfying tomato flavor. While many stovetop recipes offer a quick fix, truly exceptional marinara emerges from a patient, slow cooking process. Our Crockpot Marinara Sauce recipe delivers an intensely rich, robust tomato flavor that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. By allowing the ingredients to meld together over several hours in a slow cooker, the flavors deepen and concentrate, creating a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day – because it has! This hands-off approach makes it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

Recipe

Crockpot Marinara Sauce

★★★★☆

4.50 from 2 votes

Slow cooking marinara in the crockpot yields a rich, intense tomato flavor. For quicker cooking, this can be prepared on the stovetop but will result in a less flavorful sauce.

Author:
Mary Ann

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Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

5 hrs

Total Time

5 hrs 10 mins

Course
Main Dish

Cuisine
Gluten-free, Italian, Vegetarian

Servings

8
servings

Calories
80

Ingredients

• 25 oz jar spaghetti sauce
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 14 oz can stewed tomatoes
• 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. basil

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients and simmer in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours on low or until done.
2. Serve over hot pasta.

Notes

This can also be prepared on the stovetop. Although cooking over low heat for a longer period of time intensifies the flavor, sauce can be served at any time after 30 minutes on the stovetop.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 80 cal

Carbohydrates: 18 g

Protein: 4 g

Fat: 1 g

Sodium: 1018 mg

Fiber: 5 g

Sugar: 12 g

Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

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Why Slow Cook Your Marinara? The Secret to Unbeatable Flavor

The magic of slow cooking lies in its ability to extract and meld flavors over an extended period at a gentle temperature. For marinara, this means the tomatoes break down slowly, releasing their natural sweetness and acidity, which then harmonizes with the aromatic herbs and vegetables. Unlike quick stovetop methods, which often taste bright and fresh, a slow-cooked marinara develops a depth and richness that feels truly authentic and comforting. This process also allows the subtle notes of oregano, basil, and thyme to fully bloom, infusing the entire sauce with their fragrant essence. The result is a velvety, deeply flavored sauce that coats pasta beautifully and elevates any dish it accompanies.

Choosing Your Ingredients for the Best Marinara

While this recipe is incredibly simple, the quality of your ingredients plays a significant role in the final taste:

Tomatoes:

• Jarred Spaghetti Sauce: Acts as a convenient base, bringing its own blend of seasonings. Choose a good quality brand that you enjoy.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add texture and a fresh, bright tomato flavor.
• Stewed Tomatoes: Offer a slightly chunkier texture and a cooked, mellow tomato taste.
• Tomato Paste: This is crucial for adding intense, concentrated tomato flavor and thickening the sauce without needing to reduce it on the stovetop for hours. Don’t skip it!
• Optional for a richer sauce: If you want to elevate the tomato flavor even further, consider using high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes, known for their balanced sweetness and low acidity.

Aromatics:

• Onion: Finely diced onion provides a foundational sweetness and savory depth. Take care to dice it uniformly so it melts into the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for authentic marinara. Three cloves offer a good balance without overwhelming the other flavors. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.

Herbs & Spices:

• Dried Thyme, Oregano, and Basil: These classic Italian herbs are the heart of marinara’s aromatic profile. Dried herbs are excellent for slow cooking as their flavors intensify over time. If you prefer using fresh herbs, you’ll need a larger quantity (typically 3x the amount of dried herbs) and should add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrancy. A fresh sprig of basil or oregano can be added in the last 30 minutes for a brighter finish.
• Bay Leaf: Often underestimated, a bay leaf adds a subtle, almost minty or balsamic note that contributes to the overall complexity of the sauce. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Seasoning: While not explicitly listed beyond the herbs, a good marinara will benefit from salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You might also want a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a spoonful of sugar to balance acidity if your tomatoes are particularly tart.

The Simple Steps to Perfect Crockpot Marinara

1. Combine All Ingredients: Simply add the jarred spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, finely diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, oregano, and basil into your slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined. This initial mix ensures all flavors can begin to meld from the start.
2. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and let it simmer for 4-5 hours. The beauty of the crockpot is its ability to maintain a consistent, gentle heat, preventing scorching and allowing the flavors to deepen without constant supervision. You’ll know it’s “done” when the sauce has thickened slightly, the onions are completely tender, and the aroma filling your kitchen is simply heavenly. For an even more intense flavor, you can extend the cooking time to 6-8 hours on low, or even 2-3 hours on high if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, though the low and slow method is highly recommended for the best results.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar if desired. Serve this luscious marinara generously over your favorite hot pasta. It’s also fantastic as a base for many other Italian-inspired dishes.

Stovetop Alternative (Quick Notes)

While slow cooking is recommended for the richest flavor, this marinara can indeed be prepared on the stovetop for those times you need a quicker solution. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. While it won’t develop the same depth of flavor as its slow-cooked counterpart, it will still be a delicious and satisfying sauce. For better flavor on the stovetop, try to simmer it for 1-2 hours, stirring periodically.

Customizing Your Crockpot Marinara

This basic marinara recipe is a fantastic canvas for various culinary explorations:

• Add Meat: For a heartier meat sauce, brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Cooked meatballs can also be added during the last hour of cooking to soak up the flavors.
• Boost the Veggies: Sauté finely diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms before adding them to the slow cooker for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added at the beginning of cooking will give your marinara a pleasant warmth. Add more if you like it spicier.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Stir in a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving for a vibrant burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Richness Factor: A splash of red wine can be added at the beginning, or a touch of butter or a spoonful of cream at the end for extra richness.

Beyond Pasta: Creative Ways to Use Your Marinara

This versatile marinara sauce is perfect with pasta, but its uses extend far beyond a simple spaghetti dinner:

• Homemade Pizza Sauce: Spread a thin layer of this rich marinara on your pizza dough for an authentic Italian pie.
• Meatball Subs: Use it to smother juicy meatballs in a crusty roll, topped with melted mozzarella – an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Baked Ziti or Lasagna: This marinara forms the perfect foundation for layered pasta dishes, imparting deep flavor to every bite.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve it warm with mozzarella sticks, garlic knots, or crusty bread for a delicious appetizer.
• Eggplant Parmesan or Chicken Parmesan: A generous ladle of this sauce is essential for these classic Italian-American comfort foods.
• Shakshuka Base: Use it as the base for a savory shakshuka; simply crack eggs into simmering marinara and cook until set.
• Soup Base: Thin it slightly with vegetable or chicken broth for a comforting tomato soup.

Storage and Freezing Tips

This Crockpot Marinara Sauce is excellent for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This marinara freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave. Having pre-made marinara on hand makes whipping up a quick dinner incredibly easy.

Conclusion

Making your own Crockpot Marinara Sauce is a rewarding experience that yields a superior flavor profile compared to many store-bought options or even quicker stovetop recipes. It’s a testament to the power of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic, and incredibly versatile sauce. Whether you serve it over a mound of al dente pasta, layer it into a lasagna, or use it as a base for countless other dishes, this homemade marinara is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the ease, the aroma, and most importantly, the exquisite taste of this slow-cooked Italian classic!

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