This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! Just toss together meat, tomatoes, and spices—let the slow cooker do all the work.
It really fills the house with a cozy smell as it cooks. I like to serve it with spaghetti and a sprinkle of cheese on top. Simple and delicious, just how I like my dinners! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you want to skip the meat, try using lentils or mushrooms for a veggie alternative.
Onion: A medium onion adds great flavor. If you’re short on onions, shallots or green onions can work too. Need a milder taste? Use a sweet onion instead.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a great aroma, but you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re out of fresh cloves.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste make this sauce rich and flavorful. If you can’t find crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes will do just fine. You can even use fresh tomatoes if you prefer!
Italian Seasoning: This blend is fantastic for flavor! If you don’t have it, you can mix up a combination of oregano, basil, and thyme instead.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef properly ensures a delicious base for your sauce. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a medium heat to prevent the beef from browning too quickly. You want it nicely cooked and not burnt.
- Break the meat into small pieces while cooking. This helps it cook evenly and mix better with the sauce later.
- Don’t rush draining off the fat if you want a less greasy sauce. This small step can make a big difference in texture!
How to Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste?
Tweaking the sauce can make a big difference for your family’s tastes. Here are some tips:
- Start with the base recipe, then taste at the end of cooking. If it needs sweetness, add a bit more sugar or some grated carrots.
- If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some chopped jalapeños.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can pump up the flavor right before serving—just toss some in!
Follow these tips and you’ll have a delicious meat sauce that will win hearts! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by either 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. Just let the flavors meld together during cooking while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, using a spatula to break it into small pieces. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
2. Add the Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot with the beef. Stir to combine these flavors together, which will create a delicious base for your sauce.
3. Combine the Sauces:
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix everything well until it’s fully combined and smooth.
4. Season the Sauce:
It’s time to flavor it up! Add in the dried Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and if you like a little kick, toss in those red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to mix the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
5. Cook Your Sauce:
Cover your crockpot and cook the sauce on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. If you can, stir it occasionally to help everything blend nicely. The longer it cooks, the tastier it gets!
6. Prepare the Spaghetti:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it has a good bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, stir in the fresh chopped parsley into the meat sauce for a pop of color and flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Place a generous serving of the meat sauce over the freshly cooked spaghetti. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of extra parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this hearty meal with family or friends!
Enjoy your easy, hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just brown it the same way, and it will work perfectly in this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have All the Tomato Products?
No worries! If you’re missing one of the tomato products, just use extra of the others. For instance, you can substitute the canned tomato paste with more crushed tomatoes or sauce—it will still turn out delicious!
Can This Sauce Be Frozen?
Yes, this spaghetti meat sauce freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking in the crockpot. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the sauce for a quick thickening method.
