This Slow Cooker Homemade Tomato Sauce is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes. With just a few ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for a classic tomato sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: This sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices, creating a bright and vibrant flavor that’s far superior to store-bought options.
Easy to Make: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection. No stirring or fussing required!
Versatile: Use it as a classic pasta sauce, a base for pizza, or a flavorful ingredient in your favorite recipes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious homemade tomato sauce:

Tomatoes: Ripe and roughly chopped, these form the base of the sauce. Roma tomatoes are recommended, but you can use any variety you have on hand.
Yellow onion: Roughly chopped, adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Red wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Fresh basil: Packed, adds a classic Italian flavor.
Garlic: Finely minced, for aromatic intensity.
Fresh oregano: Minced, adds another layer of herb flavor.
Granulated sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to blend the flavors.
Salt and ground black pepper: To taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Homemade Tomato Sauce

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients—chopped tomatoes, onion, red wine, basil, garlic, oregano, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper—to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Roughly Blend (Optional)

If desired, use an immersion blender to roughly blend the mixture until there aren’t too many large pieces. Alternatively, you can pulse the mixture in a regular blender a few times until it reaches a chunky consistency. This step helps to jumpstart the cooking process, but it’s optional.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for at least 8 hours, or overnight. You can also cook it on HIGH for 4-8 hours.

Step 4: Blend and Season

Once the sauce is cooked, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend it to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Serve the sauce immediately over cooked pasta, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of the sauce depends on the quality of the tomatoes, so use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
Adjust the consistency: Blend the sauce to your preferred consistency, whether you like it chunky or smooth.
Customize the flavor: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes for heat, or a bay leaf for a more complex flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Homemade Tomato Sauce

Pasta Sauce: This sauce is perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta.
Pizza Sauce: Use it as a base for homemade pizzas.
Versatile Ingredient: Add it to soups, stews, or other dishes for a boost of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the sauce for longer storage. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this sauce without wine?
Yes, you can omit the wine or substitute it with an equal amount of broth or water.

Can I make this sauce in a pot on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer the sauce in a pot on the stovetop over low heat for about 1-2 hours, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

How can I make this sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a diced chili pepper to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and versatile recipe for Slow Cooker Homemade Tomato Sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!