Classic Gravy (AKA Marinara Sauce)- $0.49 a Cup

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Pasta and Sausage is  a staple at our hour.  Note only is it a cheap meal but the entire
family loves it.    When in a pinch, we pick up some Classico “sauce” gravy and it costs us a
lot more than if we make it ourselves.   Therefore, I try really hard to always have the
staples on hand and my crock pot ready to make some “sauce” gravy in the morning for our
favorite dinner.  As a bonus, we use our gravy for making our weekly pizza dinner too.     

Ingredients
2 (28 oz) Cans of Crushed Tomatoes
2-3 Italian Sausage Links
½ Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Teaspoon Oregano
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder 
2 Teaspoons Red Pepper Flakes
Directions
Place all ingredients in a crock pot on low for 6- 8 hours.  
-I layer the ingredients in the crock pot in the following way: 
Sausage
Tomatoes
Spices
Stir in spices and then stir on occasion.
Dinner Round out
Serve with Pasta, Green Salad, Bread, Red Wine

Bonus:
For Vegetarian Gravy replace Sausage with about 1-2 cups of vegetables (peppers, onions
and mushrooms), increase the Italian Spice to taste.   If you prefer sweeter gravy then add
carrots to the vegetable list and omit the red pepper flakes.  At the end of the 6 hours, blend
the sauce to create a smooth texture.  
~ Savings ~
Cost Breakdown: 

Regular Shopping 

2 (28 oz) Cans of Crushed Tomatoes= $1.58
3 Italian Sausage Links= $1.80 
Spices Estimation: $0.06

NOTE: Italian Sausage Links can be eaten with the first pasta meal.  If we don’t count the
sausage as part of the price calculations, then the price per cup would be $0.24.   

Total Recipe Cost = $3.44

Cost per cup = $0.49

Classico Pasta Sauce
Cost Per = $2.69
Cost Per Cup= $0.90

"Over a Year" Scenario:

Homemade Gravy w/o the sausage: 3 cups (per week) per week= 52 X $0.72 = $37.44
Classico Pasta Sauce: 3 cups per week= 52 X $2.70= $140.40

*Money Saved = $102.96

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