Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This slow cooker spaghetti sauce is a comforting, flavorful sauce that simmers all day with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days, it combines ground beef and a rich blend of tomatoes and herbs for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 28 oz. diced tomatoes (two 14 oz. cans, do not drain)
• 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Cooked noodles, for serving
• Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Brown and crumble it with a spatula or wooden spoon, then drain the fat.
2. Step 2: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with liquid), tomato paste, brown sugar, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
3. Step 3: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the sauce thick and flavorful.
4. Step 4: Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked noodles and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Fresh basil can replace dried basil for a brighter taste; add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra veggies.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce without ground beef?

Yes, you can omit the meat for a vegetarian version or substitute it with plant-based ground meat alternatives.

Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you may need to cook the sauce a bit longer to achieve the same depth of flavor and consistency.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce recipe offers a rich, slow-simmered tomato and beef sauce that’s perfect for a comforting pasta dinner. Combining ground beef, crushed and diced tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices, this sauce develops deep, savory flavors over hours of slow cooking, making it an effortless and delicious meal base for your favorite pasta dishes.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (using LOW setting)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
• 28 oz. diced tomatoes (two 14 oz. cans, do not drain)
• 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

To Serve

• Cooked noodles (such as spaghetti)
• Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until fully browned, using a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble the meat. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness in the sauce.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato paste, brown sugar, diced onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine all the ingredients.
3. Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain steady heat and moisture.
4. Serve: When the sauce is done, spoon it generously over cooked noodles of your choice. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and serve hot.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, brown the beef with a small amount of olive oil.
• Do not drain the diced tomatoes to keep the sauce moist and flavorful.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
• This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.

Keywords: slow cooker spaghetti sauce, easy spaghetti sauce, beef spaghetti sauce, homemade pasta sauce, slow cooker recipes