Slow Cooker Low Sodium Spaghetti Sauce
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy spaghetti, try making your own low-sodium spaghetti sauce! Using a slow cooker to prepare your sauce is an easy and convenient way to let the flavors develop over time without the need for constant attention. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of making a slow cooker low-sodium spaghetti sauce that will satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling good.
Ingredients
To make this delicious sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add more or less garlic, or substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Instructions
Here's how to make slow cooker low-sodium spaghetti sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet and transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and water to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- When the sauce is done, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!
This recipe yields about 8-10 servings of sauce, depending on how much you use per serving. You can store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for later use.
Benefits of Low-Sodium Spaghetti Sauce
Making your own low-sodium spaghetti sauce has many benefits, including:
- Reducing your sodium intake: Store-bought spaghetti sauce can be loaded with sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems. By making your own sauce, you can control the amount of salt you add and use other flavoring agents like herbs and spices instead.
- Increasing your vegetable intake: Adding vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers to your sauce increases your intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
- Eliminating preservatives: Many store-bought spaghetti sauces contain preservatives and additives that can be harmful to your health. By making your own sauce, you can avoid these chemicals and enjoy a fresher, healthier product.
- Customizing the flavors: When you make your own sauce, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste preferences. You can make it spicy, sweet, or tangy, depending on your mood and the ingredients you have on hand.
Conclusion
Slow cooker low-sodium spaghetti sauce is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy one of your favorite meals. By using fresh, whole ingredients and preparing the sauce yourself, you can avoid the harmful additives and excess sodium found in many store-bought products. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself how easy and tasty it can be!
