Easy Crock Pot Tomato Sauce

There is nothing like having a pot of tomato sauce slowly simmering on the stove for hours…. It makes the house smell fabulous.. and the result is nothing short of orgasmic…

Growing up I had a lot of Italian friends … their mothers and grandmothers were outstanding cooks…  there was always a pot of sauce on the stove in their kitchens….  It was almost automatic… a bowl of fabulous sauce and fresh bread for dipping was handed to you….  terrific memories.

In today’s busy world… it’s not always possible to have that pot of sauce simmering all day … no one is home to give it a stir occasionally … but.. we do have a pretty good alternative… the crock pot.

Let your sauce slowly simmer all day… let the crock pot do the work for you.  I was tempted to call my recipe “Quick and Easy” … it is easy… and quick to put together… but I didn’t want to mislead you… letting it slowly cook in the crock pot for hours makes the sauce wonderful…. so that isn’t so quick…

You can make a quick version of this recipe on top of the stove… but the crock pot version is divine!

TIPS

Like most recipes.. there is always leeway for you to tweak it to your personal tastes…. Some people like a really garlicy sauce… so then add more garlic… some like a little zip.. and a pinch of red pepper flakes… if you like a meaty sauce… add some cooked sausage…

I used flavored diced tomatoes  … Basil Garlic and Oregano…. You can use any variety you prefer.. and there are lots to choose from…. I have a variety on hand and frequently use different ones… it makes the sauce a little different each time.. and keeps the meals from getting boring.

If you use the plain variety you may have to add a bit more spice.. use the best measure of all.. the taste test.

I like to peel and chop my onions in garlic into chunks or pieces.. and throw them into my mini chopper… a few pulses and they’re perfectly finely diced and mixed as well.

I sauté the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes (I have the instructions below)… I like to sauté them until they’re soft and translucent… I think it releases the flavors better… but… it is not entirely necessary… you can add them into the pot as they are…

Try this easy recipe… and never buy jarred sauce again!

Recipe:  Easy Crock Pot Tomato Sauce

All you need:

2 cans (14.5 oz each) Hunts diced tomatoes*see Tips, undrained

1 can (29 oz) Hunts Tomato Puree

1 ½ medium onions, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

All you have to do:

Heat olive oil (enough oil to coat the skillet) in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.

Add the sautéed onions and garlic and all remaining ingredients into a crock pot.  Stir the pot and set the pot on low.  Cook for 8 hours.  If possible stir occasionally.

Adjust seasonings if needed and serve.