The Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce: A Flavorful, Easy Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect homemade spaghetti meat sauce that’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor? This slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce is a game-changer! Not only does it save you time, but the low-and-slow cooking method enhances the depth of flavors, making it taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Easy to Make – Just brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
Rich and Flavorful – The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together for an incredible sauce the whole family will love.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for busy weeknights.
Versatile – Serve over spaghetti, use in lasagna, or spoon over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this homemade spaghetti meat sauce, you’ll need:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork (sub with another pound of ground beef if needed)
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
4 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes*do not drain (sub with tomato sauce if you have eaters that do not like chunky tomatoes in sauce)
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
4 tablespoons brown sugar (balances acidity)
2 tablespoons dried oregano
4 tsp dried basil
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat with Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef/pork with the chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Combine All Ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic and seasoing to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the better the flavors develop.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, some parmesan and crushed red pepper if you like a little spice. Serve over your favorite pasta.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Use Quality Ingredients – Fresh garlic, good canned tomatoes, and high-quality meat make a difference.
Don’t Skip the Browning – Browning the meat and sautéing the onions enhance the overall flavor.
Freeze for Later – This sauce freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Sauce Without Meat?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and/or carrots for a delicious vegetarian spaghetti sauce.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in a bit more tomato paste.
What Pasta Pairs Best With This Sauce?
Classic spaghetti is a favorite, but this sauce also works well with penne, rigatoni, or even stuffed pasta like ravioli.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce is the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making dinner for the whole family, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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