CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI is the ultimate cozy dinner wizardry, coaxing rich tomato aromas and tender beef to mingle all day while you conquer life’s adventures. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with bubbly marinara, fragrant garlic and a hint of sweet balsamic vinegar mingling with fresh basil – no wine required! Throw in hearty ground beef or turkey, classic Italian seasoning, and enough brown sugar to balance the tang. Let your slow cooker work its magic as noodles soak up every drop of saucy goodness until they’re perfectly al dente. Gather the family, sprinkle on melting mozzarella, and dive into spoonfuls of pure comfort!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
- Effortless cooking: Just toss in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work!
- Family-friendly: A comforting dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
- Flavorful and hearty: Rich tomato sauce and spices create a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences.
CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, break spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make a hearty Crockpot Spaghetti that everyone will love!
- 1 pound ground beef – lean beef for a flavorful base
- 1 small onion – chopped for added sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for robust flavor
- 24 ounces marinara sauce – your favorite brand for convenience
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes – adds texture and freshness
- 2 cups water or beef broth – for added depth of flavor
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti – broken in half for easy cooking
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – for that classic Italian flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick
- 1 tablespoon sugar – optional for balancing acidity
- grated Parmesan cheese – for serving to elevate the dish
How to Make CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
This easy CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI recipe is perfect for busy families. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH, you can have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. Just a little extra time is needed to cook the spaghetti in the sauce, making it a hassle-free dinner option!
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot
Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Ingredients
Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
Step 5: Add Spaghetti
About 30 minutes before serving, break spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the sauce in the crockpot.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 240 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes for cooking spaghetti in sauce |
| Total Time | 270 minutes |
| Dietary | Beef-based |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese |
Pro Tips for Making CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
- Opt for whole wheat spaghetti for added nutrition.
- Layer ingredients for even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Use vegetable broth instead of wine for a rich base.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking for better texture.
How to Serve this CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for that perfect crunch.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
- For a twist, mix in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who like a little heat.
- Try it with a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI is easy!
Storing CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI Leftovers
- Let the spaghetti cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
- Cool the spaghetti completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I cook spaghetti in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cooking spaghetti in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. Just add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
2. Can I put uncooked pasta in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put uncooked pasta in a slow cooker. Just make sure to add enough liquid to cook the pasta properly. It will absorb the sauce and flavors as it cooks, resulting in a tasty dish!
3. Can I cook spaghetti in a slow cooker with a jar?
Definitely! Using a jar of store-bought sauce is a convenient option. Just pour it over your ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it simmer for a flavorful meal without any fuss!
4. How long does pasta take in a crockpot?
Pasta typically takes about 2 to 3 hours on high or 4 to 6 hours on low in a crockpot. Keep an eye on it to ensure it reaches your desired level of tenderness!
Final Thoughts
Gather your loved ones and dive into this delightful Crockpot Spaghetti! It’s a simple, hearty meal that brings back memories of family dinners and laughter around the table. With minimal effort, you’ll create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. So grab your forks and enjoy every delicious bite—your taste buds will thank you!