Red Sauce – From the Crockpot to the Freezer

We have been making  a lot of pizza at home because it seems healthier (controlling the cheese, salt, etc.) and it is more convenient.  It takes me less time to put it together than order and pickup Papa Johns for $9.99.  My kids are typical and love spaghetti and meatballs.  Also the ingredients on some bottles list “flavors” or something generic like that so you don’t know what is actually in the bottle.  Here you will!  Plus the sauce using the Costco can of crushed tomatoes costs $2.99 with a couple of staple ingredients on top of that.

Red Sauce
yield 12-14 cups

1/4 cup olive oil
2 large onions, chopped small
6 lb. 10 oz. can crushed tomatoes (found at Costco)
1-2 cups water (optional)
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon parsley flakes
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1.  Throw your olive oil and onions into a medium low skillet and cook until they are soft.
2.  Take the onions and everything in the skillet and throw into the crockpot.
3.  Add everything else to the crockpot and stir.  Start with about 1 cup of water and add as needed throughout the cooking.  Cook on low about 6-8 hours.

You could also omit adding the water and not do so until after you thaw/use your sauce.  I do this because I like to change the consistency depending on what I am using the sauce for.  But feel free to add the water to the crockpot if it is easier!
I cooled this and put it into plastic bags.  Some people freeze in glass jars and it works good for them.  Just make sure to leave room for expansion.

Recipe from Life as Mom