Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines ground beef, Italian sausage, and rich tomatoes for a hearty sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta.

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, 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. Add Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Step 4: Serve the hearty sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add red pepper flakes.
• Use turkey sausage for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• Adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions can boost the veggie content.

Storage

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this sauce with other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This rich meat sauce works well with any pasta shape, such as penne, rigatoni, or even lasagna noodles.

Do I need to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the meat first enhances flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just be sure to cook the sauce on LOW for the full 6–8 hours to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked sauce combining ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a comforting pasta meal, it simmers all day to meld the robust flavors, making weeknight dinners effortless and delicious.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 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

Sauces & Tomatoes

• 2 jars pasta sauce (24 oz each)
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

Seasonings

• 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. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller chunks as it cooks until browned evenly.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Then transfer the meat and aromatics into the slow cooker.
3. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Pour the two jars of pasta sauce and the can of crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Add Italian seasoning, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Serve the hearty meat sauce over cooked spaghetti noodles and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and herbs as desired.

Notes

• For a spicier sauce, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Use leaner meat options to reduce fat content if preferred.
• Leftover sauce can be used as a base for lasagna or baked pasta dishes.
• Be sure to brown the meat thoroughly to develop better flavor and reduce grease in the sauce.

Keywords: crockpot spaghetti sauce, slow cooker meat sauce, Italian meat sauce, easy pasta sauce, ground beef meat sauce