The Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia. I still remember the first time I made it; the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes wafted through my home, drawing my family into the kitchen like a siren’s call. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something comforting, simple, and fulfilling. I decided to try this recipe, and it instantly became a favorite. Cooking in a crockpot frees you from the confines of constant supervision, allowing you to enjoy time with loved ones instead of slaving over the stove. As the sauce bubbled and transformed, I found a sense of joy in knowing I was creating a delicious meal with minimal effort. Each bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully, whether served with pasta, on pizza, or as a base for your favorite casseroles.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
240 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker, Grater, Peeler, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon

The Beauty of This Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce

1. Effortless Preparation

What I love most about the Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce is how incredibly easy it is to make. Just toss all the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and walk away. There’s something so liberating about cooking without constant attention, and this recipe exemplifies that perfectly.

2. Versatile Flavor

This sauce can be a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive homemade creation for guests. You can customize it to suit your taste by adding herbs or spices, allowing it to elevate any dish. It’s a base that adapts to your culinary whims.

3. Comforting Aroma

As it simmers, the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and onions fills your home, creating a sense of comfort that only a homemade dish can provide. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that warms the soul.

4. Healthy Ingredients

Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh tomatoes and onions, this sauce is a guilt-free indulgence. Knowing exactly what goes into your meals is empowering and adds another layer of satisfaction.

5. Great for Meal Prep

The Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce is perfect for batch cooking. It freezes well, allowing you to have delicious homemade sauce ready to go for those busy weeknights.

6. Family-Friendly

This recipe is a hit with both children and adults. Kids love the rich, sweet flavor of the sauce, while adults appreciate the fresh taste and variety it brings to the table.

Key Ingredients for Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce

To create a flavorful and rich Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce, you need a handful of key ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in developing that deep, comforting flavor that makes this sauce so beloved. The combination of fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic creates a naturally sweet and savory balance, while the addition of butter enriches the sauce, making every bite divine.

4 (28 ounce) cans of whole, peeled tomatoes: The foundation of your sauce, these tomatoes provide the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
2 sweet onions: These will add a lovely sweetness when cooked down, creating a rich flavor profile.
4 garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant aroma, enhancing the overall taste.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: This ingredient adds richness and a silky texture that elevates the sauce to a new level.
1/4 teaspoon salt: A crucial seasoning that balances the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
1/4 teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds just the right amount of warmth and depth to the sauce.

How to Prepare Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce

Making the Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce is a breeze, and it starts with just a few simple steps. You’ll blend fresh ingredients into a delightful sauce that simmers away, filling your home with mouthwatering fragrances. Let’s get cooking!

Begin by draining two of the cans of whole, peeled tomatoes. This step is essential if you prefer a thicker sauce; you can reserve the juice if you think you’ll need it later. However, for this recipe, it’s not necessary.
Next, add the drained tomatoes into the crockpot along with the remaining two cans of whole tomatoes (juice included), sweet onions cut in half, garlic, and butter. This combination will create a flavorful base for your sauce.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for six to eight hours. During this time, the tomatoes will break down and meld together beautifully. You can stir occasionally, but it’s not necessary.
As the sauce approaches the end of its cooking time, you might want to take a potato masher and gently crush the tomatoes, which will help achieve that desired texture. It’s a personal choice; you can leave the tomatoes chunkier if that’s how you prefer your sauce!
Now, it’s time to season your sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. I often find that a little extra salt brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, so don’t hesitate to adjust as needed.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding dried herbs like oregano or basil for an extra flavor boost. This simple addition can make a world of difference!
The sauce is now ready to be used! You can serve it over your favorite pasta, on homemade pizza, or as a base for various casseroles. It’s a versatile sauce that can adapt to many dishes!
Lastly, if you want to take your sauce to the next level, consider stirring in half a cup of freshly grated cheese like romano. This will enrich the flavor even more, offering a delightful twist.

What Goes Well With This Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce

When it comes to serving the Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce, the possibilities are nearly endless! Here are some suggestions to make your meal even more delightful:

Pasta: Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta. It pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or even gnocchi.
Pizza: Use it as a base sauce for homemade pizza. The rich flavor will impress everyone!
Meatballs: Combine the sauce with meatballs for a classic spaghetti and meatballs dish.
Gnocchi: Drizzle the sauce over gnocchi and top it with fresh parmesan for a comforting dinner.
Seasonal Pairings: This sauce shines during cooler months, making it perfect for cozy dinners in fall and winter.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezing: You can freeze the sauce for up to three months in a freezer-safe container for an easy meal later.

FAQ

Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, they can be a fantastic substitute. For every can of tomatoes, you’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Just be sure to peel and chop them before adding them to your crockpot. The cooking time may vary slightly, but you’ll end up with a delicious sauce!

If you’re looking to add some heat to your Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers into the mix. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to ensure you achieve your desired level of spiciness.

Your homemade tomato sauce can last in the refrigerator for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating to maintain its quality. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it!

Yes, you can easily make this sauce vegan by omitting the butter. Instead, consider using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute for a similar effect without losing the richness and flavor.

Conclusion

The Simple Crockpot Tomato Sauce is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that creates a comforting dish everyone will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not just easy, but it brings family and friends together over delicious meals. So grab your crockpot and enjoy the warmth it brings to your table!