Description
This hearty and flavorful slow cooker spaghetti is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and church suppers. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a rich, savory sauce packed with beef and Italian flavors!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken/turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24 oz) jars pasta sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for extra texture)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 4 cups beef broth or water (for cooking the pasta in the sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft (about 7–10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Break the spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the sauce.
- Pour in the beef broth or water, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover for 5 more minutes until melted.
- Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: slow cooker spaghetti, church supper pasta, crockpot spaghetti, easy spaghetti recipe