Crock Pot Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. The meat sauce is slow-cooked all day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before adding the spaghetti. Serve it with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Meat:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage

Sauce:

28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can tomato sauce
6 oz can tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 bay leaves

Pasta:

14 oz dried spaghetti
2 teaspoons dried oregano (for garnish)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a large crock pot (8-quart size recommended).
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, sugar, kosher salt, oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta.
Remove bay leaves from the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the crock pot. Stir to combine. Leave the cover off and continue heating on low, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes.
Garnish with dried oregano and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 1/7 of the recipe
Calories: 649 kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 72mg
Sodium: 1608mg
Potassium: 947mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 1385 IU
Vitamin C: 16mg
Calcium: 129mg
Iron: 7mg

Why Choose Crock Pot Spaghetti?

One of the key advantages of Crock Pot Spaghetti is the convenience it offers. Traditional spaghetti sauces require constant stirring, attention, and a significant amount of time to develop full flavor. However, when you use a slow cooker, the sauce has ample time to simmer and infuse the flavors from the meat, tomatoes, and herbs into one cohesive and rich sauce.

Moreover, the slow-cooking method allows for a tender, flavorful meal without having to stand over the stove constantly. This is especially useful for individuals with busy schedules, as you can prepare the dish in the morning and let it cook while you’re at work, school, or handling other tasks.

The crockpot method also ensures that the meat becomes tender and the flavors of the herbs and spices meld together. As the sauce simmers slowly, the tomatoes break down and thicken, creating a perfect coating for the spaghetti.

Perfect for Families and Large Gatherings

Crock Pot Spaghetti is an excellent dish for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a casual dinner party, or a potluck, this recipe can be easily scaled to accommodate more guests. A large slow cooker can hold a generous portion of sauce and spaghetti, making it a convenient option when you need to prepare meals for a large number of people.

The great thing about Crock Pot Spaghetti is that it also stores well. Leftovers can be saved for the next day and will still taste delicious. The sauce tends to develop even more flavor as it sits, making it a great option for meal prepping or for busy evenings when you don’t have the time to cook from scratch.

A Versatile Dish

While the classic version of Crock Pot Spaghetti uses ground beef and Italian sausage, this dish is highly versatile. You can easily swap out the types of meat or add different vegetables to customize the sauce according to your preferences. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Crock Pot Spaghetti can also be made spicy by adding chili flakes or hot peppers. Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional, mild sauce, you can reduce or omit some of the spices. The versatility of this dish allows you to tailor it to your taste buds while still maintaining the comforting essence of spaghetti.

Healthier Options and Substitutions

While Crock Pot Spaghetti is delicious in its traditional form, there are plenty of ways to make this dish healthier without sacrificing taste. For those watching their carb intake, you can use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash as a substitute for traditional pasta. These low-carb alternatives are a great way to enjoy the dish while keeping it lighter.

Another substitution for a healthier twist is opting for whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta. Whole wheat pasta provides extra fiber and nutrients compared to its refined counterpart, making it a better option for those looking to make healthier choices. Additionally, using a lower-sodium broth and less salt can help reduce the sodium content of the dish.

For those who are dairy-free or vegan, you can also skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese options. There are many plant-based alternatives available that will still give the dish a creamy, cheesy texture when melted over the spaghetti.

Nutritional Benefits of Crock Pot Spaghetti

In addition to being incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare, Crock Pot Spaghetti also offers several nutritional benefits. The meat used in the sauce is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Ground beef and Italian sausage also provide important vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc, which are essential for overall health.

Tomatoes, a key ingredient in the sauce, are packed with antioxidants, especially lycopene. Lycopene has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including promoting heart health and reducing the risk of certain cancers. Tomatoes are also a great source of vitamins A and C, both of which support immune function and skin health.

The addition of garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano not only enhances the flavor of the dish but also provides health benefits. Garlic, for example, is known for its potential ability to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and boost the immune system.

Making Crock Pot Spaghetti a Family Favorite

Crock Pot Spaghetti is an ideal meal to introduce to your family. It’s a comfort food that even picky eaters can enjoy. The flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top make it a universally loved dish. The fact that it’s easy to prepare and can feed a family of four or more makes it a go-to recipe for busy parents.

To make the dish even more fun for children, consider allowing them to help with the preparation. They can help with stirring the sauce, adding the pasta to the slow cooker, or garnishing with cheese and oregano. Getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to teach them about food preparation and encourage healthy eating habits.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Crock Pot Spaghetti

Crock Pot Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of comfort and simplicity. With its rich, flavorful sauce and easy preparation, it’s a dish that fits into the busy lives of modern families while still providing the nostalgic comfort of a classic Italian pasta dinner. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner cooks itself.

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