Pin
Advertisement
Skip the store-bought jars and make this slow cooker spaghetti sauce right in your kitchen with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting and come home to a rich meaty sauce loaded with classic Italian flavor. This is the recipe I rely on for busy weeknights and family pasta nights when I want something heartwarming and homemade without hovering over the stove.
The first time I threw everything into the slow cooker and walked away I was amazed at how much flavor developed with so little effort. Now my family requests this sauce on Sunday nights and it has turned into our weekly comfort ritual.
Ingredients
Advertisement
- Lean ground beef: This forms the hearty backbone of the sauce Choose at least 93 percent lean to keep it from being too greasy
- Yellow onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and balance to the tomato tang Look for firm onions without soft spots
- Garlic: Brings savory depth to the sauce Fresh minced garlic gives the most punch but jarred works in a pinch
- Crushed tomatoes: These give body and texture Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the richest base
- Tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and helps stew all the flavors together Try to find unsalted or low sodium
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce Go for a deep red paste with strong tomato aroma
- Homemade spaghetti seasoning: A mix of dried Italian herbs and spices If buying pre-made check the label for high quality herbs
- Butter: Stirred in at the end to round out the flavors and add richness Real butter makes a difference here
- Optional: Finish with fresh basil parsley grated parmesan or serve over your favorite cooked pasta for the classic touch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Set up a six quart or larger slow cooker and place it on a solid surface
- Add All Ingredients:
- Into the slow cooker add uncooked ground beef chopped onion garlic crushed tomatoes tomato sauce tomato paste and spaghetti seasoning
- Mix Gently:
- Stir things gently just to distribute the seasoning and break up the beef a bit Be careful not to overmix which helps preserve a meaty texture
- Slow Cook the Sauce:
- Cover the slow cooker Put it on low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours Letting it go low and slow builds incredible flavor
- Finish With Butter:
- About ten to fifteen minutes before serving open the lid and stir in the butter Let it melt down and blend into the sauce for a silky rich finish
- Adjust and Serve:
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt or extra herbs if needed Spoon the sauce generously over cooked pasta Top with parmesan or fresh herbs if you like
Pin
Advertisement
You Must Know
- High in protein and nutritious for all ages
- Perfect for big batch cooking and freezing
- No need to brown the beef first saving both time and effort
My favorite part is always stirring in the butter at the end It gives the sauce a silky finish that reminds me of my grandma’s Sunday gravies She always insisted this little trick is what makes people go back for seconds and thirds
Storage Tips
Advertisement
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days Make sure it is fully cooled before transferring for the best shelf life For longer storage portion the sauce into freezer bags or containers freeze flat so they stack easily and reheat quickly on the stovetop straight from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you want a lighter or vegetarian sauce For extra veggies toss in diced carrots mushrooms or bell peppers in with the onions For richer tomato flavor try fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or add extra tomato paste for a thicker sauce
Serving Suggestions
Advertisement
Ladle the sauce generously over your favorite spaghetti or pasta shape It is also delicious spooned onto baked potatoes or used as a meat sauce for lasagna Top with plenty of grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley For a cozy dinner add a green salad and crusty garlic bread to round out the meal
Pin
A Bite of Italian-American History
Slow cooked meat sauces are a beloved tradition in Italian-American kitchens With the ease of modern slow cookers you get that all-day simmered flavor with hands-off time Historic Sunday gravies were the heart of family gatherings and this easy version keeps that spirit alive
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I brown the ground beef first?
Yes, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the sauce's depth and creates a finer texture. This step also allows you to drain any excess fat.
- → How can I thicken the sauce if it seems too runny?
To thicken the sauce, leave the lid ajar during the final 30 minutes of cooking or stir in extra tomato paste until the desired consistency is reached.
- → Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Fully cool the sauce and portion it into airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- → Which pasta goes best with this sauce?
Classically, this sauce pairs well with spaghetti, but it also complements rigatoni, penne, or any pasta you enjoy.
- → How do I reheat the sauce?
Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave in intervals, stirring regularly until heated through.
- → Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end boosts brightness and adds a garden-fresh finish to the dish.