Big-Batch Marinara Sauce

There’s nothing quite like the rich, full-bodied flavor of a well-made marinara sauce, and using a slow cooker to achieve this perfection seems like a no-brainer. Slow cooking promises to transform fresh tomatoes into a luscious sauce without the need for constant monitoring on the stovetop. However, the slow cooker presented its challenges, as it doesn’t allow for evaporation and reduction. After numerous tests, we found the winning combination of tomato products to achieve the ideal consistency—thick and flavorful without unwanted water. By using a blend of tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, we harnessed the concentrated flavors and eliminated the need for evaporation. To elevate the sauce’s taste, we sautéed onions, garlic, oregano, and anchovies, adding a layer of depth and savoriness. The umami from the anchovies, combined with the richness of soy sauce, delivered the meaty flavor that took this marinara to new heights. Finished with fresh basil and a touch of sugar, this slow cooker marinara sauce promises to be your new go-to for hearty, authentic Italian dishes. Below you’ll find the ingredients, preparation instructions, special tips, and nutritional information for this delectable slow cooker marinara sauce.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped fine
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried
• 2 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (28-ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons sugar, plus extra as needed
• Salt and pepper

PREPARATIONS:

1. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, tomato paste, minced oregano, minced anchovies, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and lightly browned, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Stir in the dry red wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and soy sauce into the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook until the sauce is deeply flavored, approximately 9 to 11 hours on low or 5 to 7 hours on high.
5. Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Season with salt, pepper, and additional sugar to taste.

YIELD:

• This recipe makes approximately 18 servings and pairs well with 3 pounds of pasta.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• The slow cooker marinara sauce requires a long cooking time to develop rich flavors, so plan ahead for this delicious sauce.

TIPS:

• For optimal results, use a blend of four different tomato products: tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
• Sauteeing the onions, garlic, oregano, and anchovies adds layers of flavor to the sauce. Anchovies contribute a delightful umami taste that elevates the sauce’s depth.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 340
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg

Our slow cooker marinara sauce is the epitome of Italian comfort, with its rich, full-bodied flavor and convenience of preparation. The secret to achieving the perfect consistency without unwanted water lies in the combination of four different tomato products: tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Together, these ingredients deliver a deeply flavored marinara sauce that requires no additional evaporation. The slow cooker becomes the magic pot that gently simmers the sauce over an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

The key to taking this marinara sauce to the next level lies in the sautéing of the onions, garlic, oregano, and anchovies. Anchovies are the unsung heroes of this dish, imparting a delightful umami taste that adds depth and savoriness. Along with a splash of soy sauce, the anchovies provide the much-needed meaty flavor that elevates this slow cooker marinara to new heights.

Preparing this sauce in the slow cooker also means it’s incredibly easy to whip up a large batch. The super-size portion allows for multiple servings, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or batch cooking for future meals. It pairs beautifully with 3 pounds of pasta, creating a hearty, comforting Italian meal that will leave everyone satisfied and content.

As with all great marinara sauces, the key is in using ripe, flavorful tomatoes. The recipe encourages including both the seeds and inner tomato gel, as they contribute significantly to the sauce’s flavor and moisture. Simplicity is at the heart of this marinara, with a handful of quality ingredients working in harmony to create a taste that sings on the palate.

The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you with a rich, savory marinara sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether served with pasta, meatballs, or chicken, this sauce is a versatile addition to any Italian-inspired menu.

In conclusion, our slow cooker marinara sauce is the epitome of convenience and taste. The combination of four tomato products, the infusion of sautéed onions, garlic, oregano, and anchovies, and the slow cooking process create a sauce that is deeply flavorful, satisfying, and truly authentic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home, this marinara sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, transporting you to the heart of Italy with every delightful bite.