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Crockpot Spaghetti

By Grandma Millie

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A bowl of CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI topped with grated Parmesan cheese and herbs.

crockpot spaghetti is cozy dinner magic, letting rich tomato aromas and tender beef mingle while you go about your day. Picture a kitchen filled with bubbly marinara, fragrant garlic, and a splash of sweet balsamic vinegar brightened with fresh basil, no wine needed. Add hearty ground beef or turkey, classic Italian seasoning, and just enough brown sugar to balance the tang. As it simmers, the noodles soak up every bit of saucy goodness until they are perfectly al dente. Gather the family, shower with melty mozzarella, and dig into spoonfuls of pure comfort.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 4 hrs
Total: 4 hrs 30 mins
Serves: 6 servings
Calories: 350

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Crockpot Spaghetti

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
for cooking spaghetti in sauce
30 mins
Total Time
4 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients

  • 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)
  • to taste grated Parmesan cheese (for serving to elevate the dish)

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet — For browning the beef
  • 1 Crockpot — For slow cooking the spaghetti

Method

  1. 1

    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.

  2. 2

    Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.

  3. 3

    Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

  4. 4

    Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.

  5. 5

    About 30 minutes before serving, break spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the sauce in the crockpot.

  6. 6

    Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.

  7. 7

    Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350
Fat15g
Protein25g
Carbs30g
Sugar5g

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.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make a hearty Crockpot Spaghetti that everyone will love!

Ingredients for CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 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-by-step preparation of CROCKPOT SPAGHETTI, including cooking beef, transferring to crockpot, adding ingredients, and serving the final dish.

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

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time240 minutes
Extra Time30 minutes for cooking spaghetti in sauce
Total Time270 minutes
DietaryBeef-based
Serves6
Best ServedHot, 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.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

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!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

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!
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!
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!
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!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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