↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Vegetarian » Vegetarian Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

by Sarah Olson on January 12, 2022 | Updated June 4, 2022 Leave a Comment

320 shares
  • 76
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
2 images of bell pepper sauce for pinterest
collage of three pepper pasta sauce with text overlay for pinterest

This recipe for vegetarian slow cooker spaghetti sauce will leave your family happy and satisfied. You can make this easy dish for any occasion, as it tastes great with any noodles or rice and is easy to make for a crowd.

This recipe is excellent for meatless Monday! Try my Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce recipe if you need a meaty sauce.

pasta sauce with bell peppers in slow cooker (no meat)

Why this recipe works

It’s perfect to use up those cans of tomatoes you have sitting around in the pantry, so go ahead and dig them out! This recipe requires less than 10 minutes of prep time before going into the crockpot to cook all day long. This recipe is similar to the Italian recipe Peperonata, which is filled with sweet bell peppers.

When you get home from work, the only thing left is to make your favorite pasta on the stovetop, then serve over cooked pasta. 

ingredients for vegetarian spaghetti sauce on table

Recipe Ingredients

  • Vegetables – Three bell peppers, onion and garlic.
  • Canned Tomatoes – Tomato paste, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes will make a perfect texture for the base of your sauce.
  • Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
  • Sugar – This makes all the difference, we aren’t adding much but just enough to take the acidity from the sauce. You’d be surprised to know that almost every store bought sauce has a touch of sugar.
before cooking collage of pasta sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Add everything to the crockpot.

Step Two – Stir. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Serve and enjoy!

spoon in bell pepper pasta sauce in slow cooker

How to serve vegetarian spaghetti sauce

  • You can serve slow cooker three pepper pasta sauce with cooked noodles of your choice, or even rice to pair the meal with.
  • This dish is also great for dipping bread and garlic toast in, or even topping a sandwich!
  • Serve with a green salad if desired.
overhead shot of vegetarian sauce on spaghetti noodles

Recipe FAQs and Variations

How to store:

You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days after making the recipe. If you are looking for a more extended storage option, transfer leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months.

Why sugar in pasta sauce?

Adding sugar to a pasta sauce may sound odd, but it offers a layer of complexity that you wouldn’t get otherwise. With the right amount of sweetness and acidity, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family! Just remember only to use one tablespoon of sugar!

What is the best way to reheat spaghetti sauce?

Be sure to thaw your sauce in the fridge if you have taken it out of the freezer. The best way to reheat is in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Or you can heat in the microwave, be sure to cover your bowl or plate with a paper towel, for it will splatter everywhere.

Can I add meat or soy crumbles?

Yes! Add one pound of cooked, and crumbled ground beef or 1-2 cups of soy crumbles for a meaty pasta sauce.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use this combination: One teaspoon dried basil, one teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary. Or any blend of those spices you prefer, though rosemary can be very strong, so use it sparingly.

Can I add wine?

Yes! Add 1/4 cup of red wine (such as pinot noir or Cabernet Savignon) to this recipe at the beginning of the cooking time. Though, be sure to tell your guests that there is wine in the sauce for the alcohol doesn’t cook out completely.

bowl of noodles with vegetarian sauce and parmesan

Pasta with peppers and onions is so flavorful, and the slow cooker makes it easy to whip up a quick meal! You no longer have to spend all day in the kitchen, so sit down with your family and enjoy this Italian favorite.

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

spoon in bell pepper pasta sauce in slow cooker

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

5 from 2 votes
An easy recipe for homemade vegetarian spaghetti sauce. You won't miss the meat with this hearty recipe.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 112kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • 1 Slow Cooker – 4 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 3 bell peppers yellow, red and green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 29 oz. diced tomatoes (two 14.5-oz. cans)
  • 6 oz. tomato paste
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
  • 2 minced garlic cloves (about one tablespoon)
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes omit if you don't want any heat
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Cut peppers and onions and place in crockpot.
  • Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
  • Serve over any type of pasta, enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark

Recipe Notes:

How to store:
You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days after making the recipe. If you are looking for a more extended storage option, transfer leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months.
How to reheat: 
Be sure to thaw your sauce in the fridge if you have taken it out of the freezer. The best way to reheat is in a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Or you can heat in the microwave, be sure to cover your bowl or plate with a paper towel, for it will splatter everywhere.
Can I add meat?
Yes! Add one pound of cooked, and crumbled ground beef or 1-2 cups of soy crumbles for a meaty pasta sauce.
What can I use instead of Italian seasoning? 
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use this combination: One teaspoon dried basil, one teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary. Or any blend of those spices you prefer, though rosemary can be very strong, so use it sparingly.
Can I add wine?
Yes! Add 1/4 cup of red wine (such as pinot noir or Cabernet Savignon) to this recipe at the beginning of the cooking time. Though, be sure to tell your guests that there is wine in the sauce for the alcohol doesn’t cook out completely.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 112kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 761mg | Potassium: 1006mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 3190IU | Vitamin C: 119mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes to try

  • Slow Cooker Zuchinni Bolognese
  • Slow Cooker Chickpeas
  • Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
  • Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    320 shares
    • 76

    Filed Under: Vegetarian

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Sides

    Grits cooked in a slow cooker with butter pats

    Slow Cooker Grits

    chickpeas cooked in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Chickpeas Recipe

    fried apples on a spoon coming from crockpot

    Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe {Crockpot}

    cooked caramelized onions in the slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

    slow cooker peas and carrots on a metal spoon

    Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots

    cooked cauliflower and broccoli casserole in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      Close up of cajun chicken fettuccine in slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of chocolate cake with warm peanut butter icing

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2022, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs