Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Enjoy a rich, hearty, and hands-off Italian classic with this Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. Perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready without fuss—just set it, forget it, and come home to a delicious meal the whole family will adore.

📋 Ingredients for Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Meat Sauce 

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef/half Italian sausage)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (28 oz/800 g) crushed tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce

• 1 can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth or water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

To Finish:

• 12–16 oz (340–450 g) uncooked spaghetti

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown Meat
   In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté Aromatics
   Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Transfer to Slow Cooker
   Add the cooked beef mixture to slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, sugar, and seasonings.

4. Slow Cook

   • Low: 6–8 hours

   • High: 3–4 hours

5. Add Spaghetti
   Break dry spaghetti in half and stir into sauce during the last 45–60 minutes of cook time. Make sure pasta is submerged. Stir once halfway through.

6. Serve
   Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Enjoy hot!

📝 Notes

• Sauce too thick? Add extra broth or water.

• Prefer firmer pasta? Boil spaghetti separately and top with sauce.

• Want added richness? Stir in a splash of cream or ricotta at the end.

💡 Tips

• Use a mix of beef and Italian sausage for deeper flavor.

• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for extra veggies.

• Double the recipe and freeze half for later—great meal prep option!

🍽 Servings

• Makes 6 hearty servings

⚖️ Nutritional Info (per serving – estimate)

Can vary based on brand and portion size.

🌟 Benefits

• Effortless cooking: Minimal active time—perfect for busy schedules.

• Family-friendly: Kid-approved flavors.

• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples.

• Freezer-friendly: Sauce freezes beautifully.

❓ Q/A

Q: Can I use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes! Add 15-20 minutes earlier since those absorb differently.

Q: Can I skip browning the beef?
A: You can add raw meat directly, but browning adds flavor and improves texture.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze (sauce and pasta separate) for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I cook it overnight?
A: Yes — use LOW and refrigerate in the morning, then reheat for dinner.