Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked to develop deep, rich flavors, it makes an easy and comforting meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 85/15 ground beef
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 jars pasta sauce (24 oz. each)
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking the meat into smaller chunks as it cooks.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Pour in the pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Step 4: Serve the rich, meaty sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles and finish with freshly grated Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage for a lighter version.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any bitter bites.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this sauce without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the sauce on the stovetop by simmering it on low heat for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavors.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?

Browning the meat first adds extra flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can add raw meat directly to the slow cooker. Just be aware the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 57 reviews

This hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of flavorful seasonings slow-cooked to perfection. The rich tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs makes it an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (LOW) or 3 hours (HIGH)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 lb 85/15 ground beef
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce & Seasonings

• 2 jars pasta sauce (24 oz each)
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break the meat into smaller chunks as it cooks to ensure even browning and better texture.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for the sauce.
3. Transfer to slow cooker: Move the browned meat, onion, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. This allows the flavors to meld over low and slow heat.
4. Add sauce and seasonings: Pour in the pasta sauce and crushed tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. This slow cooking enhances the richness and depth of the sauce.
6. Serve: Spoon the luscious meat sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and herbs for a classic finishing touch.

Notes

• For extra flavor, brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness.
• Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Omit the sugar for a lower-sugar version or substitute with a natural sweetener.

Keywords: Crockpot meat sauce, slow cooker spaghetti sauce, Italian meat sauce, easy dinner, ground beef sauce, Italian sausage sauce, hearty pasta sauce