Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

It is that time again!  Time for Mom's Crazy cooking challenge!  I am super excited about this month's because it is none other than spaghetti!  I have been wanting to make spaghetti sauce from scratch for a while now and this seemed like the perfect opportunity! 

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You may remember last month and The Chocolate Cake Challenge.  Well luckily enough I didn't have all of the hungry hyenas breathing down my neck this time.  It was just my puppy who is no help at all, just because he has no thumbs he thinks he doesn't have to do anything!  So typically in our house my sweet is always the spaghetti magician and I decided it was about time I learned to whip up a sauce like no other!  I found a great recipe on Budget Bytes, not only is it budget friendly it is also made in your slow cooker and you know how much I LOVE my slow cooker!  This was so yummy for my first spaghetti sauce from scratch!  Next time I am going to only use 1 bay leaf, cut the tomato paste by about half and I think double the basil.  There was a little bit of an after taste that I want to cut out.  I served mine over normal spaghetti noodles and bread on the side!  

So without any further ado here is the recipe I used! 

INGREDIENTS
2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 medium yellow onion
1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 whole bay leaves
1 Tbsp dried basil
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
to taste salt & pepper

STEP 1: Cut the onion into a small dice and mince the garlic (or use pre-minced garlic from a jar). Place both in the slow cooker. Also add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, bay leaves, basil, oregano, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir well to combine. If your slow cooker tends to lose moisture and dry things out, add 1/2 to 1 cup of water as well. 

STEP 2: Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hrs.

STEP 3: Remove the lid on the slow cooker, stir the sauce, and remove the bay leaves. Season with salt to taste (I added about 1 tsp). Enjoy over your favorite pasta!

Don't forget I found this recipe on Budget Bytes so show them some love if you would like!  Happy Treats!  Don't forget to click on number 62 to vote for my spaghetti!  Tell your friends to click to!  Remember every vote counts! 
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