Crockpot Sunday Sauce Recipe for Rich and Easy Homemade Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a sauce that’s been simmering all day, filling your kitchen with that special comfort only a homemade meal can bring. Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce is perfect for busy days when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll appreciate how it turns simple ingredients into a rich dish everyone will enjoy.

This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for home cooks like you who juggle many things. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic, developing deep flavors that make meals feel special. Beyond the convenience, it’s packed with nutritious elements that support a balanced diet, like fresh veggies and proteins that keep you feeling great.

One of the best parts is its versatility, letting you tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs. For instance, you can swap meats or add extras to make it your own. This sauce delivers a comforting depth of flavor that brings people together, turning a regular Sunday into something memorable. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that feels like a warm hug, Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce is just what you need for link to more beefy recipes, check out our creamy beef and bowtie pasta for a similar hearty twist.

What really makes this Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce shine is how it combines ease with health benefits. You’ll find it uses fresh tomatoes and herbs that add vitamins while keeping things tasty and wholesome. It’s a smart choice for families, offering a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious without any fuss. Plus, the slow cooking process helps lock in those natural flavors, making every bite count.

Key Benefits of This Recipe

Let’s break down why this sauce is a favorite. First, it’s simple to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep before you set it and forget it. This means more time for you to relax or enjoy family time. Second, the ingredients promote wellness by including items like tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants, as you can learn more about their health perks on tomato health benefits.

Another plus is how adaptable it is for different lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for kids or watching your calories, this recipe fits the bill. Try Serving it over pasta or even polenta for a fresh take. Overall, Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce brings a level of comfort that’s hard to beat, making it a staple in many homes.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce. This recipe focuses on fresh, flavorful items that build a rich base. Below is a complete list of everything you’ll need, based on the exact measurements provided. Each one plays a key role in making the sauce hearty and tasty.

• 5 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cups red wine
• 2 carrots, cut into large pieces
• 1 onion
• 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Parmesan rind plus grated parmesan for serving
• 1 head of garlic
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• Fresh basil for garnish

This structured list ensures you have all the essentials for a successful dish. Notice how precise measurements make it easy to shop and prepare. For example, the beef short ribs provide a tender, flavorful base, while the tomatoes offer that classic sauce depth. If you’re new to cooking with wine, remember that 1 1/2 cups of red wine adds wonderful richness, and you can learn more about beef options on health benefits of beef, which might inspire you to try variations.

How These Ingredients Work Together

Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor and texture. The tomatoes and paste create a hearty base, while herbs like Italian seasoning bring in that authentic taste. Don’t skip the garlic and butter step, as it adds a creamy finish. With these items, your Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce will be a hit every time.

How to Prepare the Perfect Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce is straightforward and rewarding, starting with a few simple steps that lead to amazing results. Begin by prepping your ingredients to make the process smooth and fun. This guide walks you through each part, ensuring your sauce turns out just right.

First, season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them on both sides in a hot skillet for a nice crust. This step boosts the flavor before transferring them to the slow cooker. Next, add the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, red wine, carrots, onion, pickled jalapeños, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to the pot and stir everything together.

Once mixed, toss in the parmesan rind and whole head of garlic, then cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours. During the last hour, remove the garlic head to prepare the next part. Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and mash them with butter in a skillet over medium heat until it browns slightly.

Finally, take out the parmesan rind, shred the short ribs, and mix the meat back into the sauce along with the garlic butter. Serve it hot over pasta or polenta, topped with fresh basil and grated parmesan. For more ideas on pasta dishes, explore our mac and cheese meatloaf casserole recipe, which pairs well with hearty sauces like this one.

Adapting for Oven Cooking

If you prefer the oven method, preheat it to 325°F (163°C) and sear the ribs in a Dutch oven first. Add all the sauce ingredients except butter, cover, and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Follow the same steps for garlic and finishing as in the slow cooker version.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce is flexible, allowing you to tweak it for various preferences. Whether you’re cutting calories or going vegan, small changes can make a big difference. Let’s look at some easy swaps to keep things tasty and inclusive.

For protein options, replace beef short ribs with ground beef or meatballs for a quicker cook. If you’re aiming for plant-based, use lentils or mushrooms instead. You can also adjust veggies like swapping carrots for bell peppers to add more nutrition and color.

Seasoning tweaks are simple too; try fresh herbs if you have them on hand for a brighter flavor. For a lower-sodium version, reduce the salt and rely on the natural tastes of tomatoes and garlic. These modifications help everyone enjoy the sauce just how they like it.

Mastering Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce to the next level with some pro tips. Searing the ribs first really amps up the taste, and adding a parmesan rind infuses extra richness. Another trick is roasting the garlic in the sauce then mixing it with butter for a creamy boost.

Feel free to experiment with variations, like using ground beef instead of short ribs for faster meals. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the plate. The sauce even freezes well, so make a big batch for busy weeks ahead. Remember, Italian seasoning is just a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage, which you can blend yourself if needed.

How to Store Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce fresh and full of flavor. After cooling, pop it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer keep, freeze portions in bags for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

When reheating, warm it gently on the stove to maintain that great texture. Meal prep is a breeze with this sauce, as you can make extras and have quick dinners ready. Always label your containers with dates to track freshness.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

Slow Cooker Sunday Sauce

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

🍝 Experience rich, slow-cooked flavors with this Crockpot Sunday Sauce recipe, perfect for effortless, hearty homemade meals.
🍅 Enjoy tender beef short ribs and a deeply savory tomato sauce that brings classic Italian comfort to your table with minimal hands-on time.

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Ingredients

– 5 pounds bone-in beef short ribs

– 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes

– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

– 1 1/2 cups red wine

– 2 carrots, cut into large pieces

– 1 onion

– 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

– 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage)

– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes

– Parmesan rind plus grated parmesan for serving

– 1 head of garlic

– 6 tablespoons salted butter

– Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1-First, season the short ribs with salt and pepper, then sear them on both sides in a hot skillet for a nice crust. This step boosts the flavor before transferring them to the slow cooker.

2-Next, add the whole peeled tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, red wine, carrots, onion, pickled jalapeños, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to the pot and stir everything together.

3-Once mixed, toss in the parmesan rind and whole head of garlic, then cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours. During the last hour, remove the garlic head to prepare the next part. Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and mash them with butter in a skillet over medium heat until it browns slightly.

4-Finally, take out the parmesan rind, shred the short ribs, and mix the meat back into the sauce along with the garlic butter. Serve it hot over pasta or polenta, topped with fresh basil and grated parmesan. For more ideas on pasta dishes, explore our mac and cheese meatloaf casserole recipe, which pairs well with hearty sauces like this one.

5-If you prefer the oven method, preheat it to 325°F (163°C) and sear the ribs in a Dutch oven first. Add all the sauce ingredients except butter, cover, and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Follow the same steps for garlic and finishing as in the slow cooker version.

Notes

🔥 Searing the ribs before slow cooking builds deeper flavor.
🧀 Adding parmesan rind to the sauce enriches the taste and texture.
🧄 Roasting garlic in the sauce and mixing it into browned butter intensifies the savory flavor.

Additional Tips:
🍝 Substitute meatballs or ground beef for short ribs if desired.
🥖 Serve with crusty bread and fresh salad for a classic Italian meal.
❄️ This sauce freezes well for future easy meals.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Dish, Sauce
• Method: Slow cooking, Roasting, Searing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 1047

Keywords: Crockpot Sunday Sauce, Slow Cooker Sauce, Beef Short Ribs Sauce, Italian Sunday Sauce