I’m always a little hesitant to try a new pasta sauce since Mark is very partial to his grandmother’s recipe but I couldn’t pass this one up. Minimal ingredients and using the slow cooker make this an easy summer dinner. Thankfully, it was not only easy but also a great sauce – no complaints from Mark here.

In the original recipe, Gina recommends Tuttorosso brand canned tomatoes and I want to second that recommendation here – it’s our go-to brand and I’ve never been disappointed with them.

I used the leftovers to make stuffed peppers and they came out fantastic, too.

Easy Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce
(from skinnytaste.com)
Makes about 3 cups

1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
1 t. extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, smashed
28 oz. crushed tomatoes
Fresh cracked pepper

Brown the sausage in a large skillet, breaking up any large pieces. When sausage is browned, drain if needed and add to crock pot.

Clean skillet with a paper towel and set flame to high; when hot add oil. Add garlic and cook until golden but do not burn; add tomatoes and garlic to crock pot along with fresh cracked pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.