This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a cozy dish that’s super easy to make! You just toss ground meat, tomatoes, and spices into a slow cooker, and let it do its magic.
It smells amazing while it cooks, making your kitchen feel warm and inviting. I love serving it over spaghetti with a sprinkle of cheese on top—simple yet oh-so-tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use ground beef for a classic taste, but you can also try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Mixing in pork gives a richer flavor.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. If you don’t have one, shallots or even green onions work in a pinch for a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really brightens the sauce. If you’re out, you can use garlic powder—1/4 teaspoon equals 1 clove of fresh garlic.
Crushed Tomatoes: This is essential for a rich sauce. If you prefer, you can use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture or a blended tomato sauce if that’s what you have.
Herbs and Spices: Dried basil and oregano give classic Italian flavor. If fresh is available, use three times the amount of fresh herbs. Don’t skip the sugar; it balances out the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor with Slow Cooking?
Cooking in a slow cooker makes flavors blend beautifully; however, there are important steps to get it just right:
- Start by browning the meat—this step adds depth to the flavor. If you skip it, the sauce might be less flavorful.
- Layer your ingredients in the crockpot. The order of adding items isn’t crucial, but stir them at least once to mix all the spices through.
- Cook on low for the best flavor development; the longer, the better! But don’t forget to check occasionally to avoid burning.
- Adjust the thickness near the end by adding water or broth if needed to ensure the sauce is just right for your spaghetti.
Just follow these tips and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast!
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Meat and Veggies:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth (if needed for thinning)
- 1 package spaghetti (about 12-16 oz)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for browning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6 to 8 hours of cooking on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). Just set it, forget it, and enjoy the wonderful aroma while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat (Optional):
Start by lightly browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s completely browned. Drain any excess fat. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Next, in your crockpot, combine the browned ground beef with the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
3. Season the Sauce:
Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Cook the Sauce:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if you can, to help build flavor!
5. Prepare the Spaghetti:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
6. Adjust the Sauce Consistency:
After the sauce is done cooking, if it seems too thick for your liking, stir in a little water or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles and top with grated Parmesan cheese for that delicious finishing touch!
8. Garnish:
If you like, add a sprig of fresh parsley on top to make it look even more appetizing.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version of this sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, so you might want to add a touch more seasoning to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Meat Sauce?
Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Sauce?
Definitely! You can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them and mix them in with the other ingredients at the beginning. Remember that vegetables might release additional moisture, so adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Can I Make This Meat Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! The meat sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in a pan or the microwave before serving.
