Crockpot Sunday Sauce is a traditional Italian-American dish that is perfect for slow-cooking throughout the day, allowing the rich flavors to meld together and intensify. This sauce is typically made with a combination of ground meat, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, simmered in a crockpot with herbs and spices. The result is a thick, meaty sauce that is great for serving over pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce for bread. Crockpot Sunday Sauce is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the recipe to your taste with various ingredients and add-ins.
Crockpot Sunday Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
* 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1 tsp dried basil
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
* 1/4 cup beef broth (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
4. Add the browned ground beef mixture to the crockpot and stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the red wine and beef broth (if using) and stir to combine.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Variations and Tips:
* To add more depth of flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet with some olive oil and then deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine and add the browned bits to the crockpot.
* For a lighter version, use ground turkey or a combination of ground meats.
* To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, to the crockpot.
* For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the crockpot.
* For a tangy twist, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
* The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
* Serve over pasta, such as spaghetti or rigatoni, with some grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.
* Use as a dipping sauce for bread or as a topping for meatballs or burgers.
* Add some sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Crockpot Sunday Sauce!