Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe
Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe
Table of Contents
Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe
Looking for a hasslefree, mouthwatering dinner idea This Crockpot Spaghetti recipe is the perfect solution for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious, homemade Italian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. This slow cooker spaghetti is packed with rich, savory tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese that melts into a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this crockpot spaghetti recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Description:
Crockpot Spaghetti recipe is one of the easiest, most flavorful dishes you can make using a slow cooker. It combines all the traditional ingredients of classic spaghetti but with the convenience and flavor enhancing benefits of a slow cooker. By cooking everything in one pot, you not only simplify the process, but you also deepen the flavors. The slow cooking process allows the ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices to blend together perfectly, creating a sauce that’s rich and aromatic.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a more traditional Italian taste, you can easily customize the recipe.
While the slow cooker works its magic, you can focus on other tasks, like prepping a salad, setting the table, or relaxing after a long day. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir in cooked spaghetti and top with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that everyone will love.
This Crockpot Spaghetti recipe is also a great option for meal prepping. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a few days or freeze them for later. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick meal that feels homemade and hearty.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. - Add the Sauce Ingredients:
Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic to your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. - Slow Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The sauce should be thick and flavorful, and the beef should be tender. Stir occasionally if you can, though it’s not necessary. - Cook the Spaghetti:
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside. - Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce:
Once the sauce is done, add the cooked spaghetti directly to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, making sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce. - Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti and cover the crockpot again. Let it cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted. - Serve and Garnish:
Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, serve your Crockpot Spaghetti recipe hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy.
Notes:
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with plant based crumbles or lentils.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking for a spicier or milder dish.
- Adding Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and frozen for future meals. Just store the sauce and noodles separately, and reheat before serving.
Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar to balance acidity
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for a bit of spice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 16 oz package spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic to your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The sauce should be thick and flavorful, and the beef should be tender. Stir occasionally if you can, though it’s not necessary.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Once the sauce is done, add the cooked spaghetti directly to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, making sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti and cover the crockpot again. Let it cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, serve your crockpot spaghetti hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with plant based crumbles or lentils.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking for a spicier or milder dish.
- Adding Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Freezer Friendly: This dish can be made in advance and frozen for future meals. Just store the sauce and noodles separately, and reheat before serving.