Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage Recipe

If you’re seeking a robust, easy-to-make sauce that will make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly, Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage is going to be your new favorite trick. This rich and hearty slow-cooked Italian staple combines juicy sausage, classic seasonings, and luscious tomatoes for a flavor that tastes like you’ve stirred all day—except you let your slow cooker do the magic. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family dinner or prepping for a week of saucy lunch leftovers, this recipe delivers deeply comforting results every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list is refreshingly simple, but each item has a key role to play in creating that unmistakable, homemade taste. From the savory sausage to the aromatic herbs, every element helps the Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage shine in both texture and flavor!

• Italian sausage (1 pound): The heart of this sauce—choose mild or spicy to suit your mood, and remember to remove the casings for best texture.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds silkiness and helps brown the sausage perfectly while drawing out its flavor.
• Onion (1 small, diced): Gives the sauce a subtle sweetness and base of flavor that melds beautifully with tomatoes.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for any proper Italian sauce—don’t skip this aromatic punch!
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): These create the rich, thick body of your sauce—choose high-quality for best results.
• Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Provides extra smoothness and blends the flavors all together.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): A little bit adds tremendous depth and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Earthy and robust, this is classic in Italian sauces and essential for that authentic taste.
• Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Lends a slightly sweet, peppery freshness that beautifully balances the sausage.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Go for these if you like a bit of heat—totally up to you.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into harmony and keeps the sauce well-seasoned.
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of gentle warmth and complexity in every bite.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough to mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes without making it sweet.
• Fresh parsley or basil (1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish): A colorful, herbal finish that makes your Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage look—and taste—like a celebration.

How to Make Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Scatter in the diced onion and let it cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial—the browning builds up the meaty flavor base, while the onion infuses the mixture with sweetness and aroma.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma

Once the onion is soft, toss in the minced garlic and stir it into the sausage mixture. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye and give it a quick sauté—this really unlocks its flavor for your Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage.

Step 3: Transfer to the Crock Pot

Spoon the browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. This is where the magic slow-braising begins, allowing all the flavors to mingle beautifully over several hours.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you want a hint of heat), salt, black pepper, and sugar. Use a wooden spoon to stir until everything is evenly combined. These classic Italian herbs and a touch of sugar truly round out the sauce’s richness.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The low-and-slow approach gives your Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage its incredibly rich, layered flavor. Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—this is your moment to customize.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon generously over your favorite hot pasta. If you like, scatter fresh parsley or basil over the top for a fresh, show-stopping finish. Every plate will look like it came straight from an Italian trattoria!

How to Serve Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage

Garnishes

Garnishes can truly elevate your Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage from cozy to company-worthy. Sprinkle on a clump of freshly chopped parsley or basil just before serving—the vibrant green makes the reds in the sauce pop, and the fresh herbs provide a lift that brightens each bite. For extra flair, shave or grate some Parmesan cheese over the top for a salty, nutty finish.

Side Dishes

This sauce is at its best when paired with classic Italian sides. Try serving it alongside warm garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even roasted vegetables. Any pasta shape will work, but thick noodles like rigatoni or pappardelle are especially dreamy, catching every bit of the hearty sausage and tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

While a big bowl of saucy pasta never goes out of style, there are so many fun ways to present your Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage. Spoon leftovers onto toasted hoagie rolls with melted provolone for a sausage Parmesan sandwich, or layer it over creamy polenta for an elegant dinner twist. Top baked potatoes or roasted spaghetti squash with this sauce for a cozy, unexpected meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve as it sits, making your leftovers even better the next day.

Freezing

Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage is a dream for batch cooking. Pour cooled sauce into freezer containers or zip-top freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date so dinner is always at your fingertips!

Reheating

Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully heated. If it thickens too much, just splash in a bit of water or broth. For smaller portions, the microwave on medium power works great—just cover to avoid splatters.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage works wonderfully in Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage, delivering that same cozy flavor with less fat. Just check the seasoning of your sausage and adjust salt and herbs to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce itself is gluten-free—just be sure to serve with gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten altogether. Always confirm that your sausage and seasonings are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.

What if I like my sauce extra spicy?

Go ahead and use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, and double the red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. Taste as you go—you can always add more heat, but it’s tricky to take it away!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage recipe doubles beautifully, either for a big family gathering or for meal prepping. Split the batch between two slow cookers if needed to avoid overfilling.

How can I make it vegetarian?

To make a hearty vegetarian version, swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or add sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying, meaty texture in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you crave comfort with minimal effort, this Crock Pot Pasta Sauce with Sausage will quickly become your go-to recipe. Make it for loved ones, freeze it for busy nights, and don’t forget to enjoy those irresistible Italian aromas wafting through your kitchen!

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