This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a cozy meal that simmers all day, filling your kitchen with yummy smells! Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices, it’s super easy!
You just throw everything in the pot and let it do its magic! It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without a lot of fuss. Trust me, the sauce is so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the pot! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the sauce. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
Canned Tomatoes: I like using crushed tomatoes for a smooth texture, but diced tomatoes work well if you prefer a chunkier sauce. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to dice those up instead!
Onion & Garlic: These bring essential flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can be used in a pinch, about 2 tsp of each. But nothing beats the flavor of fresh!
Basil & Oregano: I love using dried herbs for convenience. You can replace dried herbs with fresh if you have them—use about three times the amount, as fresh herbs are milder.
Sugar: This helps reduce the acidity from the tomatoes. You can use brown sugar or even honey as a substitute if needed.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Crockpot Meat Sauce?
Cooking in a crockpot allows flavors to develop beautifully. To maximize the taste of your sauce:
- Browning the Beef: This step is crucial for depth of flavor. Make sure to break the meat into small pieces and cook until it’s nicely browned before adding it to the crockpot.
- Sautéing Onions and Garlic: If time allows, sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet for a few minutes after cooking the beef. This enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- Let it Simmer: The longer your sauce cooks, the better it gets. Aim for at least 6 hours on low for the best results, stirring occasionally if possible.
- Taste & Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or seasoning can make all the difference!
With these tips, you’ll enjoy a rich and flavorful spaghetti meat sauce that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small 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
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Once everything is in the crockpot, you’ll let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Plus, you’ll need about 20 minutes to cook the spaghetti right before you serve. Perfect for a day of easy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your sauce light and tasty.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef into your crockpot. Now, it’s time to add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Give it all a hearty stir!
3. Season the Sauce:
Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, sugar (if you’re using it), and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook your sauce on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you can, give it a stir occasionally. As it cooks, the flavors will meld beautifully!
5. Prepare the Spaghetti:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Don’t forget to drain them well when they’re done!
6. Serve Up Your Dish:
Now it’s time to eat! Place the hot spaghetti on plates and spoon the delicious meat sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley or basil for a lovely touch.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your cozy, flavorful crockpot spaghetti meat sauce! It’s the perfect meal for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to brown it well before adding it to the crockpot!
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can let it cook uncovered for the last hour. Another option is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I Make This Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can make this sauce in advance! Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
Serving it over spaghetti is classic, but you can also try other options like zoodles (zucchini noodles), rice, or even a baked potato! Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.