Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a warm, comforting dish that cooks itself while you’re busy. With ground beef, tomatoes, and tasty spices, it’s a favorite for family dinners.
This sauce is so easy—you just throw everything in the crockpot and let it simmer away! I love serving it over spaghetti with a sprinkle of cheese. What’s better than no fuss and a delicious meal? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the sauce its hearty texture. If you prefer a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, you can use chopped mushrooms or lentils instead.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re short on time, onion powder can work in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon will do.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use garlic powder (1 teaspoon) if that’s what you have. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Crushed Tomatoes: They form the base of your sauce. If you want a different taste, try diced tomatoes or even fire-roasted for a smoky flavor.
Herbs: You can substitute fresh herbs for dried—just remember that fresh herbs are stronger in flavor, so use about three times as much. Basil and oregano are classics, but feel free to experiment!
How Do You Avoid Burnt Sauce in the Crockpot?
One common concern with crockpot meals is the risk of burning. Here’s how to keep your spaghetti sauce from sticking and burning:
- Make sure to brown the meat and onions first! This adds flavor and helps everything cook evenly.
- Stir the sauce before covering the crockpot. It ensures everything is well mixed.
- If you notice thickening early on, add a little water or beef broth to keep it saucy. Check every few hours if you’re cooking on low.
Following these tips will help you achieve a flavorful, perfectly cooked spaghetti meat sauce every time!
Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth (if needed to adjust consistency)
- Cooked spaghetti noodles (for serving)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus a cooking time of 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the crockpot. So, you can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat before moving on!
2. Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your crockpot. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
3. Slow Cooking:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, on high for 3 to 4 hours. If you can, give it a stir once in a while during the cooking process. This will help mix the flavors even more!
4. Adjusting Consistency:
Once the cooking time is up, check the sauce. If it’s too thick for your liking, just stir in a little water or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serving:
Now, it’s time to serve! Spoon the hot meat sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. Want to take it up a notch? Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra touch!
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful crockpot spaghetti meat sauce! It’s sure to be a family favorite! 🍝
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as ground turkey may cook quicker than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Tomato Paste?
No worries! You can substitute with an additional ½ cup of crushed tomatoes or use diced tomatoes. It might slightly change the texture, but the flavor will still be great!
Can I Freeze Leftover Meat Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the meat sauce! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for the best experience.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Sauce?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can add great flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the ground beef at the start to soften them up before adding to the crockpot.