This hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian spices, it cooks slowly for rich flavors that everyone loves.
I love tossing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do all the work. And the smell wafting through the house? Pure bliss! Perfect over pasta or with fresh bread!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is your main protein. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For vegetarian versions, try plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Onion: A small onion adds flavor. If you’re out, shallots work too, or you could use onion powder in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh is best for flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder will suffice. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Canned versions are super convenient. If you want to make your own, fresh tomatoes can be peeled and crushed. Just add a bit of salt for flavor.
Spices: The dried basil and oregano are key to flavor. You can swap them out for Italian seasoning if needed. For an extra kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes!
How Do You Safely Brown Ground Beef?
Browning ground beef is important for flavor. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Use a hot skillet with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, usually around 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if desired. This keeps your sauce from being too greasy.
By following these tips, your meat will add great flavor to the sauce!
Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For Serving:
- 12 ounces spaghetti pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and then a slow cook of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. With just a bit of hands-on time up front, you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they soften and smell amazing, about 3-4 minutes. This builds the base of great flavor for your sauce!
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Use a spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. After it’s browned, drain any excess fat so your sauce won’t be too greasy.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture into your crockpot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Make sure everything is well mixed.
4. Slow Cook the Sauce:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together and gives you a deliciously thick sauce.
5. Prepare the Spaghetti:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it well. You want the pasta to be fresh when served with your sauce.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Now, you’re ready to eat! Place the hot meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and a pop of color.
7. Dig In!
Enjoy your hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce with family or friends! It’s a perfect dish for cozy gatherings or busy weeknights!
This delicious slow-cooked sauce is full of flavor and incredibly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for any night of the week!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. Just be aware it may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it’s still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the meat sauce! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to serve.
What if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can replace beef broth with water or chicken broth. Both will add flavor to your sauce, but chicken broth will give a slightly different taste!
