Crockpot Spaghetti

Rich, hearty, and wonderfully easy, this Crockpot Spaghetti is the ultimate hands-off comfort food! Perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce all simmer together in your slow cooker, making dinner a breeze. It’s a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-Off Cooking – Let the crockpot do all the work.
Family Favorite – Classic, cozy, and loved by kids and adults.
Minimal Cleanup – One pot, one delicious meal.
Perfect for Busy Days – Set it and forget it.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or swap the meat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 8 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a little spice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste for richer sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (6-quart size recommended)
• Skillet for browning meat
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink.
Drain any excess grease.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce in the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir everything together.

Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add the Spaghetti
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the broken spaghetti noodles into the sauce.
Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
Cover and continue cooking on HIGH until the pasta is tender (about 20–30 minutes).

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the spaghetti if using.
Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success
Brown the Meat First – Adds depth of flavor and prevents greasy sauce.
Break Pasta in Half – Helps the spaghetti fit better and cook evenly.
Stir Well After Adding Pasta – Prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Watch the Pasta – Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooked pasta.
Use Plenty of Sauce – Pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
With a Simple Salad – A crisp green salad balances the hearty pasta.
With Roasted Vegetables – Add some healthy sides like roasted zucchini or broccoli.
As a Meal Prep Dish – Makes great leftovers for busy days.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Store cooled spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.
Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use uncooked ground beef in the crockpot?
   It’s best to brown it first for better flavor and texture.
2. Can I use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta?
   Yes, but check frequently as different pastas may cook faster or slower.
3. Can I add vegetables?
   Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini work great.
4. Can I make it meatless?
   Yes, just skip the ground beef or substitute with plant-based crumbles.
5. How do I make it extra cheesy?
   Stir extra mozzarella and parmesan directly into the pasta after cooking!

Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Spaghetti is everything you love about classic spaghetti with none of the fuss. Rich, hearty, and full of comforting flavor, it’s a slow cooker meal that the whole family will love—and it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something cozy and satisfying without standing over the stove.

Set it, forget it, and dig in to pure pasta comfort! Don’t forget to share your cozy crockpot pasta creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours (slow cooker on LOW)
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – serves 6):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 620mg

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