Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

The Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is one of those dishes that truly warms the heart and soul. Growing up, Sundays were always special in our home, filled with the enticing aromas of simmering sauces and fresh bread baking in the oven. My mom would spend the day creating her rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce, which was the centerpiece of our family gatherings. Now, as an adult, I find myself reminiscing about those afternoons, and what better way to capture that nostalgic magic than with my own version of Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce? The best part? You get to set it and forget it! With a slow cooker, I can spend more time with family while this delectable sauce does its thing. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a deliciously rich sauce that is perfect over al dente spaghetti.

What’s In This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

The magic of this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce lies in its ingredients, which work together to create a robust flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role, from the hearty ground beef that gives substance to the sauce to the sweet onion and garlic that provide aromatic depth. The canned crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce serve as the perfect base, while the herbs add that Italian flair. Together, they create a comfort dish that families adore.

• 1 pound ground beef: The star of the show, providing protein and a rich flavor base.
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: A flavorful foundation, these tomatoes add sweetness and acidity.
• 29 ounces tomato sauce: This enhances the sauciness and smoothness, making it perfect for pasta.
• 2 cans tomato paste: Adds thickness and a concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing sweetness.
• ½ cup diced white onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
• 4 garlic cloves minced: Infuses the sauce with a robust flavor that’s essential for Italian cooking.
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano: An aromatic herb that complements the tomato base beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons dried basil: A classic Italian herb that rounds out the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the flavors.
• Cooked spaghetti noodles: The perfect pairing for this rich sauce.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: A delicious topping that adds creaminess and a savory element.
• Fresh parsley: A bright garnish that adds freshness and color.

Making This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Creating your own Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a delightful journey through layers of flavor. Let’s dive into the steps that will transform simple ingredients into a comforting meal. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious homemade sauce in no time!

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it to develop a nice brown color, which adds depth to the sauce. Once the meat is browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
2. Next, transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens!
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The aromas will start to build, and it’s already beginning to smell heavenly!
4. Then, sprinkle in the brown sugar, diced onion, and minced garlic. These ingredients will caramelize as they cook, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
5. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper next. Mix everything well, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout.
6. Now, cover the slow cooker with its lid. If you’re cooking on low, let it simmer for about eight hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for four hours will still yield a fantastic sauce.
7. During the cooking process, resist the urge to lift the lid! This helps the flavors intensify and keeps the heat in.
8. Once the cooking time is up, stir the sauce and give it a taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary—maybe a pinch more salt or pepper?
9. To serve, ladle the sauce over your cooked spaghetti noodles. A generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley will elevate your dish.
10. Enjoy your homemade Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce with family and friends, and feel the warmth of home-cooked goodness!

Recipe Notes about Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Here are some notes to keep in mind while preparing your Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce. These tips will help ensure you get the most out of your cooking experience!

• Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Spice Level: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to incorporate chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving Options for Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce, the options are endless! Here are some creative ideas:

• Traditional Spaghetti: Serve over a generous portion of al dente spaghetti noodles for a classic dish.
• With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Over Zoodles: For a low-carb option, serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles.
• With Meatballs: Elevate your meal by adding homemade or store-bought meatballs to the sauce.
• In a Lasagna: Use the sauce as a layer in a hearty lasagna for extra flavor.
• Casserole Style: Mix with cooked pasta, add cheese, and bake for a comforting casserole.
• For Gatherings: This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings; it’s sure to please a crowd.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a heartwarming dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and delicious meals shared around the table. With its rich flavors and ease of preparation, it’s a wonderful addition to any weeknight dinner. I encourage you to try making this sauce and experience the joy it can bring to your mealtime. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

The ultimate comfort food, this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it simmers beautifully, making it a family favorite. You'll want to make this tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Slow Cooker
• Chef's Knife
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
• 29 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cans tomato paste 6 oz each
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 0.5 cup diced white onion
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• cooked spaghetti noodles
• shredded Parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. Drain off fat.
• Add the meat to the crock pot. Then add the rest of the ingredients for the spaghetti sauce.
• Place the lids on the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Do not open lids during the cooking time.
• Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Spice Level: For a little kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to incorporate chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Keyword crockpot spaghetti sauce, easy spaghetti sauce, homemade spaghetti sauce, slow cooker spaghetti sauce

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Meet Maya Carlson

I believe that every dish tells a story through its colors and textures. I apply my artistic eye to everything we make. I love being hands-on with every recipe, helping to plate a savory stew just as beautifully as a dessert. I enjoy the challenge of making every single genre of food look as good as it tastes. If we are cooking, I am right there in the mix, styling and seasoning until it’s perfect.