This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce is the ultimate hands-off meal for busy families. With minimal prep and rich flavors, it combines perfectly seasoned meat, hearty tomato sauce, and tender spaghetti for a comforting dish everyone will love. Simply set it and forget it, then enjoy a delicious dinner effortlessly!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Pre-Brown the Meat: Browning the ground beef or sausage adds depth of flavor, though you can skip this step for convenience.
- Layer the Ingredients: Avoid clumping by layering uncooked spaghetti on top of the sauce. Break noodles if needed.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Add spaghetti toward the end to keep it perfectly al dente. Check for doneness after 15 minutes.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your palate.
- Low vs. High Setting: Use the low setting for a more developed flavor, but the high setting works well in a pinch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce recipe simplifies weeknight dinners with its ease, versatility, and unbeatable taste. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with more time to relax or focus on other tasks. The meat sauce is robust and savory, coating every strand of spaghetti for a classic Italian comfort dish that warms the soul. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, this recipe is a go-to for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals without the fuss.
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Comforting Crockpot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 12 oz spaghetti, uncooked
- Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Layer Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned meat mixture, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Stir to mix.
- Cook the Base: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add Pasta: Break spaghetti in half and submerge in the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir to ensure even cooking.
- Check Doneness: After 15-20 minutes, check the pasta for tenderness. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Avoid stirring spaghetti too often during cooking to prevent breaking.
- Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 376Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 76mgSodium 375mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 28g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Ground Beef or Sausage: Use lean ground beef or Italian sausage for a rich, flavorful base. You can mix the two for added depth.
- Tomato Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: These provide the bulk of the sauce; opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
- Onion and Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic foundation.
- Spices: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and basil bring authentic Italian flavors. Adjust the amount for a personalized taste.
- Spaghetti: Regular or whole-wheat spaghetti works great. Break in half to fit into the crockpot easily.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, savory finish to the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add diced mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or substitute with zucchini noodles (zoodles) added just before serving.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamy variation.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the meat sauce (without pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
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