Description
There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of flavorful and hearty spaghetti with a robust meat sauce simmered to perfection. Crockpot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce brings ease and deliciousness together in one pot, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or lazy weekends. This dish lets you enjoy the classic Italian-American staple without the hassle of monitoring a stove. Whether you’re cooking for a big family or just want to prep something hands-off, this crockpot version delivers delicious results every time.
With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours—because it has! The flavors intensify and meld beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a rich, savory sauce that’s impossible to resist. In this article, we will guide you through making this beloved pasta dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor, right from your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. This step is important to develop flavor and remove excess grease. Once fully cooked, drain the fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and flavor. Transfer this mixture to the crockpot to join the beef.
Step 3: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the crockpot. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. This step creates the foundation of your hearty meat sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Letting the sauce cook slowly enhances the depth of flavor and creates a thick, luscious texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
About 20 minutes before the sauce is done, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the hot spaghetti in bowls and generously ladle the meat sauce over the top. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more beef broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)