Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce With Fresh Tomatoes
Spaghetti is a staple meal in many households across the United States, and for good reason. It's easy to make, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser. However, making spaghetti sauce from scratch can be time-consuming and daunting. That's where a crockpot comes in handy. With a crockpot and some fresh tomatoes, you can create a delicious and hearty spaghetti sauce that will make your family and friends ask for seconds.
Ingredients:
The ingredients for this crockpot spaghetti sauce are simple and can be found at any grocery store:
- 10-12 fresh tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Instructions:
1. Begin by washing and chopping the fresh tomatoes. You can use any type of tomato, but Roma tomatoes are recommended as they are meatier and have fewer seeds.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the pepper is soft.
3. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Transfer the cooked vegetables and ground beef to the crockpot.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Mix well.
6. Pour in the red wine and mix again.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the better it will taste.
8. Once the sauce is done cooking, use an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender to puree it to your desired consistency.
9. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles and enjoy!
Why Use Fresh Tomatoes?
Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned adds a depth of flavor that cannot be matched. Canned tomatoes are often cooked and processed before being canned, losing some of their natural flavor. Fresh tomatoes are also healthier, containing more nutrients and antioxidants.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip the pureeing step and leave it as is.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
- If you don't have red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or water.
Conclusion:
Making spaghetti sauce from scratch can be a daunting task, but with a crockpot and some fresh tomatoes, it's easy and delicious. By using fresh tomatoes, you can create a sauce that is healthier and more flavorful than canned sauce. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your liking. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your homemade spaghetti sauce!
