This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is an easy, tasty dish that simmers all day, filling your kitchen with a wonderful smell! It combines ground meat, tomatoes, and tasty herbs.
It’s perfect for busy days when you just want to come home to a warm meal. I love serving it over pasta with a sprinkle of cheese on top—simple and so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well too!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan, try a shallot or even a couple of green onions instead.
Tomatoes: I love using crushed tomatoes for that smooth texture. You can replace them with whole tomatoes that you crush yourself or even a jar of marinara sauce if you’re in a hurry.
Herbs: Dried herbs keep this sauce flavorful. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano are also great if you have them on hand—just use a little more since they can be milder than dried.
Red Pepper Flakes: Want some heat? These are perfect for that! Skip them if you prefer a milder sauce.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Sauce?
Building flavor is crucial for a delicious meat sauce. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic with the beef. This creates a tasty base—don’t rush it! Browning the meat not only enhances flavor but also adds a rich color to the sauce.
- Always drain excess fat after browning for a lighter sauce.
- Layer your flavors: add crushed tomatoes and paste, followed by the herbs and spices. Taste as you go; adjusting is key!
Letting it cook slowly allows the flavors to meld beautifully—trust me, good things happen when you give it time in the crockpot!
Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for texture)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking beef)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Spaghetti pasta, cooked according to package instructions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Once you’ve got everything in the crockpot, it will need to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. That means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, you can optionally heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks. In the last minute, add the minced garlic and stir it in until fragrant. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Carefully transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture into your crockpot.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (if you’re using them), and the water or beef broth to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Season the Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme (if using), red pepper flakes (for a bit of spice), salt, black pepper, and sugar (if you like). Mix well so that all the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Cook the Sauce:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Try to stir the sauce occasionally if you can!
6. Final Touches:
About 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve, taste the sauce for seasoning. Adjust with extra salt or herbs if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the meat sauce piping hot over your cooked spaghetti noodles. Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty homemade meal!
This Crockpot Spaghetti Meat Sauce is not only easy to make, but it’s also delicious and filling—perfect for a comforting family dinner!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just follow the same steps for browning it before adding to the crockpot.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you find the sauce is too watery, you can thicken it by removing the lid during the last hour of cooking to let some steam escape. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce before finishing cooking.
Can I Freeze Leftover Sauce?
Yes! Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
What Can I Serve with This Sauce Besides Spaghetti?
This meat sauce is versatile! Try serving it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or use it as a filling for lasagna or stuffed peppers. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes!
