Spaghetti Sauce(Crock-Pot)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 480 min Cuisine: Italian

A rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce with sweet and savory notes, perfect for hearty family dinners and suitable for slow cooking enthusiasts who enjoy homemade Italian flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 qt. tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup diced pepper
  • 1/2 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 tsp. sweet basil
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Heat the mixture to boiling.
  3. Transfer to a slow cooker and cook all day.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper for heat. If you're out of fresh herbs, dried ones work well too. You can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. If you prefer a chunky sauce, add diced mushrooms or zucchini to the mix, which pairs beautifully with Italian Spaghetti Sauce (Meatless).

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad and garlic bread. This sauce is also excellent for making Pasta With Tomato And Garlic or as a base for a hearty lasagna.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This will help retain its flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spaghetti Sauce(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 744 calories, with 22g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (361% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 101g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

744 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.4g 45% DV
Total Fat 13.7g 18% DV
Carbs 183.8g 67% DV
Fiber 101.1g 100% DV
Sugar 23.1g 46% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 397.6mg 17% DV
Potassium 3032.6mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 201.4mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 6.4mg 7% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spaghetti sauce in advance?

Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or batch cooking.

What can I do if my sauce is too sweet?

If your sauce turns out too sweet, balance it with a splash of vinegar or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. You can also add more tomatoes or tomato sauce to dilute the sweetness. Taste as you adjust to achieve your desired flavor balance.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Simply chop about 2-3 cups of ripe tomatoes and cook them down until they release their juices. This will create a fresh sauce base. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time and add more seasoning for flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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