Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

Introduction

Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce is a rich, savory twist on the classic marinara. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, this sauce combines the nutty depth of brown butter with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, creating a flavorful and aromatic sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizzas, or even as a dipping sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making it an ideal sauce to prepare ahead of time for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions.

I remember the first time I made this sauce, and the smell that filled the house was absolutely intoxicating. The nutty richness of the brown butter transforms the tomatoes into something incredibly savory and comforting. It’s the kind of sauce that feels homemade in the best way possible, and it’s so simple to make in the crockpot, letting you get on with your day while the magic happens.

Whether you pair it with your favorite pasta, spread it on a pizza, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, this sauce is sure to elevate any dish. The best part? You can make a big batch and have it ready to go for meals throughout the week. Once you try this rich, buttery marinara, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!

Perfect for:

• Pasta dishes
• Pizza sauce
• Dipping breadsticks or mozzarella sticks
• Meal prepping
• Family dinners
• Slow-cooker enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

Here’s why Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce will become a go-to in your kitchen:

• Rich, Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth to the sauce, giving it a unique twist that elevates the typical marinara.
• Slow-Cooked Goodness: Cooking the sauce in the crockpot allows the flavors to develop and intensify, making it an easy yet gourmet option.
• Simple Ingredients: This sauce is made with basic pantry ingredients, but the slow cooking method and brown butter make it taste like a much more complex creation.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch of this sauce and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.
• Versatile: Use this sauce for a wide variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza to dipping sauces, or even as a topping for roasted vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (slow cook)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on low
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 9g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, diced)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Brown Butter: Brown butter is the star of this sauce. It’s made by cooking butter until the milk solids turn golden brown, creating a deep, nutty flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Crushed and Diced Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes provide the perfect base for the marinara sauce, giving it a thick, rich texture and vibrant flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds extra richness and depth to the sauce, intensifying the tomato flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes bring the classic Italian flavors to the sauce, while salt, pepper, and sugar balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce:

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking it until it foams, then browns and becomes fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the butter. Once browned, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, add the garlic and onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned butter, sautéed garlic, and onion to the crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Mix and Set Crockpot: Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours.

Finish and Serve:

5. Stir Occasionally: During the cooking process, give the sauce a stir once or twice to ensure it doesn’t stick to the sides.
6. Taste and Adjust: After 4 hours, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic or more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Spoon the sauce over your favorite pasta, use it as a pizza sauce, or serve it as a dip for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

How to Serve Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes:

• With Pasta: Toss the sauce with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice. Top with grated Parmesan for an extra touch.
• As Pizza Sauce: Spread the sauce on pizza dough before adding your toppings for a delicious pizza.
• With Mozzarella Sticks: Serve as a dipping sauce for crispy mozzarella sticks or garlic bread.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the sauce over roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for a flavorful side dish.
• For Meatballs or Chicken Parmesan: Use this sauce as a base for meatballs or to top breaded chicken for a comforting Chicken Parmesan.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce turns out perfectly every time:

• Be Patient with the Butter: Brown butter adds a unique flavor to the sauce, but it requires attention. Don’t rush it; let it develop that nutty aroma.
• Use Good Quality Tomatoes: The tomatoes are the backbone of this sauce, so use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results. If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them for a smoother texture.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices based on your preferences. You can add fresh garlic, more herbs, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra richness.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier marinara.
• Use a Slow-Cooker Liner: For easy cleanup, line your crockpot with a slow-cooker liner.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce:

• Balsamic Brown Butter Marinara Sauce: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a tangy, sweet flavor that complements the richness of the brown butter.
• Roasted Garlic Brown Butter Marinara Sauce: Roast a head of garlic and add it to the sauce for a sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
• Mushroom Brown Butter Marinara Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a hearty, earthy addition.
• Meat Lover’s Marinara: Stir in ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to make a meaty version of this marinara.
• Vegetarian Marinara: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
• Smoky Brown Butter Marinara: Add smoked paprika or a small amount of chipotle peppers for a smoky depth.
• Herb-Infused Brown Butter Marinara: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the butter as it browns for an aromatic infusion.
• Creamy Brown Butter Marinara: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese for a creamy, rich sauce.
• Tomato Basil Brown Butter Marinara: Add fresh basil leaves to the sauce as it cooks for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Gluten-Free Brown Butter Marinara: Make sure the pasta you serve with this sauce is gluten-free, or enjoy the sauce on gluten-free pizza crust.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

• Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce easier:

• Slow Cooker: A reliable slow cooker will make the process easy and hands-off.
• Saucepan: You’ll need a small saucepan to brown the butter and sauté the garlic and onions.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the sauce during cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Blender (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the sauce after cooking to break down any chunks of tomato or onion.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While you can use margarine, brown butter provides a unique nutty flavor that margarine cannot replicate. For the best results, stick to butter.
2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare this sauce ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this sauce without a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can cook the sauce on the stovetop in a large pot. Simmer it over low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Can I add meat to this sauce?
   Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to make this sauce heartier.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
   Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the crockpot.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce takes a classic favorite and elevates it with the nutty richness of brown butter, creating a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. The slow-cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, while the brown butter adds a luxurious touch that enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the savory herbs.

This sauce is perfect for making ahead, whether you’re using it for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for breadsticks. It’s a time-saver on busy weeknights and a delightful addition to special meals, transforming any dish it touches into something extraordinary.

Once you’ve tried it, this brown butter marinara will quickly become a kitchen staple. I’d love to see how your Crockpot Brown Butter Marinara Sauce turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!