Slow Cooker Marinara

Before serving, I added some cooked mushrooms and mild Italian sausage to the sauce, which definitely made this recipe a keeper.

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

DIRECTIONS
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.
Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hrs.
Remove the lid on the slow cooker, stir the sauce, and remove the bay leaves. Season with salt to taste. Enjoy over pasta!