Thick and Rich Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce simmered low and slow for 8 hours! A quick and easy make ahead meal that makes tons of leftovers!

Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce

There’s nothing like slow cooked pasta sauce that’s been simmering all day. This homemade spaghetti sauce is loaded with spicy Italian sausage, fire roasted tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. The sauce is simmered low and slow for 8 hours! The sauce gets super thick, rich and loaded with flavor. Cooking the tomato sauce for a long period of time helps to bring out the sweetness in the tomatoes. This really is the best homemade tomato sauce!

This slow cooker tomato sauce is rich, hearty and comforting. The perfect meal for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner.

This recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people and always leaves tons of leftovers.

This sauce is super easy to throw together and only takes 5 minutes of prep time. I like to brown my sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor. I know it’s an extra step but it is totally worth it! Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to an awesome home cooked meal.

Serve this Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce over spaghetti or zucchini noodles (my favorite!)

Ingredients

• Italian Sausage: Hot Italian sausage gives the marinara some spice and a lot of flavor. Regular It
• Tomato Paste: Helps to thicken up the marinara sauce.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes: I use both fire roasted tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. The fire roasted adds lots of flavor and chunks to the spaghetti sauce.
• Dried Herbs: Crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, pepper, bay leaves and Italian seasoning.

How to make Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce

• Brown sausage: Add sausage to a medium skillet and cook until browned. (It does not need to be cooked through, just browned on the outside for extra flavor. You can skip this step if you do not have time.)
• Cook: Add browned sausage, along with the rest of the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook sauce on low for 8 hours.
• Serve: Over pasta with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese for serving, if desired.

Can you freeze this sauce?

Yes! This crockpot tomato sauce freezes really well. Simply store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months!

Can I make this on the stove top?

If you are short on time you can make this sauce on the stove top in less than 30 minutes! Simply brown the sausage then add the tomatoes and spices and simmer for 15-20 minutes. When I am making spaghetti sauce on the stove top I like to add a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of cooking the tomatoes all day.

Variations

• Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian simply omit the meat!
• Add more veggies: To make this dish healthier try adding chopped carrots, celery, onion or fresh garlic!
• Different protein: Ground beef or chuck can be added to make a ragu! Both would do really well cooked for a long time over low heat.
• Add more heat: If you like your marinara sauce on the spicier side add in some more crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make it creamy: To make a blush sauce add a couple splashes of heavy cream right before serving.

Ways to use this Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce

• Spaghetti
• Chicken Parmesan
• Gluten Free Zucchini Pasta
• Tortellini Tomato and Spinach Soup
• Shakshuka
• One Pan Italian Chicken Skillet
• Homemade Pizza
• Lasagna Rolls Ups
• Meatballs
• Stuffed Shells

Here are some more Slow Cooker Recipes to try!

• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Barbecue Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Slow Cooker Honey Sriracha Chicken
• Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Print

Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce

Thick and Rich Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce simmered low and slow for 8 hours! A quick and easy make ahead meal that makes tons of leftovers!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Easy Slow Cooker Recipes, Italian Recipes, Quick Meal, Sausage, Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes

Servings 6 -8

Calories 232kcal

Ingredients

• 16 ounces sausage I used hot sausage
• 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
• 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• fresh basil for serving if desired
• fresh parmesan cheese for serving if desired

Instructions

• Add sausage to a medium skillet and cook until browned. (It does not need to be cooked through, just browned on the outside for extra flavor. You can skip this step if you do not have time.)
• Add browned sausage, along with the rest of the ingredients to a slow cooker.
• Cook sauce on low for 8 hours.
• Serve over pasta with basil and parmesan cheese for serving, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 679mg | Potassium: 187mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 106IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published Sep 7, 2015

The post Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce appeared first on Chef Savvy.

No Bake Almond Joy Energy Bites. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter, flax seed, coconut and almonds! A healthy protein packed breakfast or snack!

Almond Joy Energy Bites

It’s no secret I love energy bites! I’ve posted recipes for both 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites and my Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites. They are the perfect snack or breakfast on the go. These energy bites are protein packed and perfect for a quick energy boost throughout the day.

They taste more like dessert than a healthy protein bite. They also make a great breakfast or dessert when you are craving something sweet!

I based this recipe off my original energy bites recipe. I replaced some of the oats for unsweetened shredded coconut and swapped some chocolate chips for chopped almonds. Instead of creamy peanut butter I used almond butter!

These energy bites are super easy to throw together. All you need is 10 minutes of prep time and a handful of pantry staples.

Ingredients

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Helps to bind the energy bites together. Almond butter can also be used and would be amazing in this!
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: I love using mini chocolate chips if I have them on hand. Dark chocolate chunks are also amazing in this!
• Old Fashioned Oats: I prefer to use old fashioned oats or rolled oats in this recipe. I would not recommend making these with steel cut oats or instant oats. If you want to keep these bites gluten free make sure to use certified gluten free oats!
• Ground Flax Seed: Adds a boost of fiber and nutrients. If you don’t have flax seed on hand substitute hemp seed, chia seed or add extra old fashioned oats.
• Honey: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these energy balls. Agave or maple syrup can be used in place of the honey.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds the perfect hint of coconut to these energy bites. You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut in this recipe!
• Chopped Almonds: Are added for crunch and extra protein!

How to make Almond Joy Energy Bites

To make these peanut butter chocolate chip energy bites simply combine all 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Roll them into balls (about 1-2 tablespoon in size) and store in the fridge for up to a week or the freezer for up to 3 months!

Tips for making energy bites

• Always try rolling the bites after they have been refrigerated. This makes rolling them so much easier. If you are still having trouble rolling them try wetting your hands or adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture.
• Instead of rolling out into balls the mixture can be placed in a square baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate and cut to make no bake energy bars.

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Chips
• Cranberries
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans
• Protein powder
• Cocoa Powder
• Hemp Seeds
• Chia Seeds

How to store these Almond Joy Energy Bites

These energy bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or 3 months in the freezer!

What can I use instead of flax seed?

Chia seed or hemp seed are a good alternative to ground flax seed. You can also substitute the flax for more oats or more unsweetened shredded coconut!

Would Maple syrup work?

Yes! Maple syrup can be used in place of the honey!

What are the calories per serving?

This is a question that gets asked a lot. The calories are 200 for 1 serving (1 bite) I know that seems like a lot but the peanut butter in this really adds to the calories. These bites are perfect as a snack or pick me up or a quick breakfast before working out!

What to do if the mixture seems dry?

If the mixture seems too dry try adding a splash of water. I do 1 tablespoon at a time. This helps bind everything together. Alternatively you can always add a scoop more of peanut butter, honey or maple syrup to bind everything up!

Here are more healthy snack recipes to try!

• 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
• Coconut Pecan Chocolate Chip Granola
• Copycat Kind Granola Bars
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola

The post Almond Joy Energy Bites appeared first on Chef Savvy.

No Bake 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter and flax seeds. A healthy protein packed breakfast or snack!

Photos and post updated April 1, 2020. The recipe is still the same!

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites

These energy bites are no bake, super easy to make and take less than 10 minutes to put together. Loaded with protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you full and loaded with energy throughout the day. Made with only 5 ingredients: peanut butter, old fashioned oats, flax seed, honey and chocolate chips. Everything gets combined in one bowl. Best of all you never have to turn on the oven.

You may have heard of these referred to as power balls, lactation bites or protein bites. Either way they are a healthy 5 ingredient pick me up that is the perfect on the go snack to give you energy throughout the day.

It’s hard to believe these 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites are healthy. They taste more like dessert than a healthy protein bite. They also make a great breakfast or dessert when you are craving something sweet!

The best things about this energy bites recipe is that it is super versatile. If you do not have flax seed on hand substitute wheat germ. Try dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Add in shredded coconut, cranberries or cocoa powder.

These Peanut Butter Energy Bites could easily pass as dessert. My batch lasted less than 24 hours. They are the perfect mix between a granola bar and cookie dough. Great to curb the afternoon munchies and the dreaded mid afternoon energy slump. If your craving chocolate try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Bites!

You can even freeze these oatmeal energy bites if you don’t eat them all within a week. Here’s what you’ll need to make these No Bake Energy Bites:

Ingredients

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Helps to bind the energy bites together. You can also use your favorite nut butter as well!
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips: I love using mini chocolate chips if I have them on hand. Dark chocolate chunks are also amazing in this!
• Old Fashioned Oats: I prefer to use old fashioned oats or rolled oats in this recipe. I would not recommend making these with steel cut oats or instant oats. If you want to keep these bites gluten free make sure to use certified gluten free oats!
• Ground Flax Seed: Adds a boost of fiber and nutrients. If you don’t have flax seed on hand substitute hemp seed, chia seed or add extra old fashioned oats.
• Honey: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness to these energy balls. Agave can be used in place of the honey.

How to make No Bake Energy Bites

To make these peanut butter chocolate chip energy bites simply combine all 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll. Roll into 12 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips for making energy bites

• Always try rolling the bites after they have been refrigerated. This makes rolling them so much easier. If you are still having trouble rolling them try wetting your hands or adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to the mixture.
• Instead of rolling out into balls the mixture can be placed in a square baking dish lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate and cut to make no bake energy bars!

Variations

• Dark Chocolate Chips
• Shredded Coconut
• Cranberries
• Chopped Walnuts, Pecans or Almonds
• Cocoa Powder
• Hemp Seeds
• Chia Seeds

Can you freeze energy bites?

Yes! These no bake energy bites can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months!

What can I use instead of flax seed?

Chia seed or hemp seed are a good alternative to ground flax seed. You can also substitute the flax for more oats or unsweetened shredded coconut!

Would Maple syrup work?

Yes! Maple syrup can be used in place of the honey!

What are the calories per serving?

This is a question that gets asked a lot. The calories are 200 for 1 serving (1 bite) I know that seems like a lot but the peanut butter in this really adds to the calories. These bites are perfect as a snack or pick me up or a quick breakfast before working out!

What do I do if its too dry?

If the mixture seems too dry try adding a splash of water. I do 1 tablespoon at a time. This helps bind everything together. Alternatively you can always add a scoop more of peanut butter, honey or maple syrup to bind everything up!

Watch how to make these 5 Ingredient Energy Bites in the video below:

Print

5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites

No Bake 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites. Loaded with old fashioned oats, peanut butter and flax seeds. A healthy protein packed breakfast or snack!

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites, Energy Bites, Fit meals, Healthy, Meal Prep

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings 12 bites

Calories 200kcal

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup ground flax seeds
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

• Combine all 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir to combine. Place in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes so they are easier to roll.
• Roll into 12 bites and store in the fridge for up to a week.

Video

Notes

Original recipe from chefsavvy.com. Please do not publish my recipe or pictures without linking back to the original post. Thank you!

Nutrition

Serving: 1bite | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published Jan 15, 2015

The post 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites appeared first on Chef Savvy.

Soft and chewy Healthy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. Loaded with oats, chocolate chips, cinnamon and nutmeg. They taste just like a slice of banana bread but in cookie form!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are the best of both worlds. They are the perfect combination of banana bread and an oatmeal cookie. This is a great way to use up leftover ripe banana. The banana also helps lighten up this cookie recipe. The bananas keep the cookies soft and moist and is used in place of some of the butter.

These banana oatmeal cookies are soft and chewy on the inside and firm around the edges. I added some cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for some extra flavor. You can even add in some raisins or nuts! Best of all these cookies only take 30 minutes to make! No chilling or resting time needed!

Ingredients

• Banana: Helps to add moisture to the cookies and a bit of sweetness. Make sure to use a banana that is really ripe.
• Sugar: Light brown sugar and granulated sugar are used in these banana cookies. The brown sugar adds extra moisture and flavor to the cookies.
• Butter: Because of the banana we can can reduce the amount of butter used. You can also use softened (not melted) coconut oil in place of the butter.
• Egg: Adds richness and structure to the cookie. If you have an allergy a flax egg can be substituted.
• Oats: You can use either old fashioned oats or rolled oats in this recipe. I would not suggest using instant or steel cut oats. If you are gluten free make sure to substitute certified gluten free oats.
• Flour: I use all purpose flour however white whole wheat flour or gluten free flour can be used.
• Spices: Cinnamon, salt and nutmeg add the perfect amount of spice.
• Chocolate chips: I use semi sweet chocolate chips in this recipe however dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips can be used!

How to make Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Start by preheating oven to 350°. Add banana, both sugars, butter and vanilla to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until combined. Stir in egg and vanilla. Combine oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl. On low speed add in dry ingredients to the banana mixture just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips. On a baking sheet lined with a silicon baking mat scoop heaping 1 tablespoon cookies. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and set. Cool on pans for 5 minutes and remove cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are best served still warm! I love serving them with almond milk for dunking or a smear of nut butter!

Optional Ad in’s

• Dried cherries,
• Rasins
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Dark chocolate chunks
• White chocolate chips

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! These healthy banana oatmeal cookies freeze wonderfully either baked or unbaked. To freeze these baked simply store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. For unbaked cookies simply portion out individual cookies and place on a baking sheet to harden for an hour. Then store the cookie dough balls in a ziplock bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat take out as many cookies as you want and allow them to come to room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake as directed and enjoy!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! The cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Allow the cookies to come to room temperature while the oven preheats.

Here are more delicious cookie recipes to try!

• Chewy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chewy Monster M & M Cookies
• Brown Butter Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft and chewy Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. They taste just like a slice of banana bread but in cookie form!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Easy Cookie Recipe, Easy Desserts, Healthy Carrot Cake Muffins

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 27 minutes

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 130kcal

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Add banana, both sugars, butter and vanilla to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until combined.
• Stir in egg and vanilla.
• Combine oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a medium bowl.
• On low speed add in dry ingredients to the banana mixture just until combined.
• Fold in chocolate chips.
• On a baking sheet lined with a silicon baking mat scoop heaping 1 tablespoon cookies.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and set.
• Cool on pans for 5 minutes and remove cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Adapted from My Recipes

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 93mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 76IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published Jan 15, 2016

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