If you have ever dreamed of capturing that rich, comforting taste of a homemade Italian dinner with minimal effort, then this Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s packed with layers of savory sausage and beef, fragrant herbs, and a medley of robust tomatoes slow-simmered to perfection. The magic happens gently in your crock pot, allowing all those vibrant flavors to meld together effortlessly while you go about your day. It’s an indulgently thick, naturally sweet, and deeply flavorful sauce that will turn any simple pasta night into a true celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating the star of your next pasta dinner. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s building savory depth, adding subtle sweetness, or layering in those classic Italian aromas that make this sauce unforgettable.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to perfectly brown the meat and add a smooth richness.
- Ground Italian sausage: One pound for bold, herby flavor and juicy texture.
- Lean ground beef: Also one pound to balance the sausage with hearty beefiness.
- Onion: One medium, finely chopped to melt into sweetness and body.
- Garlic cloves: Three minced, for that unmistakable fragrant kick.
- Italian seasoning: Two teaspoons to lay down that classic herb blend.
- Dried oregano: One teaspoon for herbal depth and earthiness.
- Dried basil: One teaspoon to bring warmth and a slightly sweet note.
- Garlic powder: One teaspoon to boost the garlic flavor evenly throughout.
- Red wine or beef broth: Half a cup to deglaze the pan and add complexity.
- Tomato paste: Two 6-ounce cans for intense, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes: Two 15-ounce cans to give texture and richness.
- Diced tomatoes (not drained): Two 15-ounce cans for bursts of fresh tomato and juiciness.
- Tomato sauce: One 15-ounce can as a smooth base for the sauce.
- Light brown sugar: One tablespoon to balance acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Salt: One teaspoon, adjusted to taste for seasoning the whole sauce perfectly.
- Cracked black pepper: Half a teaspoon to add gentle heat and complexity.
- Bay leaves (optional): Two, for an aromatic background note that deepens flavor beautifully.
How to Make Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating up olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Toss in the Italian sausage and lean ground beef, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper as they cook. Make sure to break up the meat so it browns evenly and develops delicious caramelized bits. If you’re cooking in batches, don’t rush—take your time, drain any excess fat if you want a leaner sauce, and then transfer everything to your 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Seasonings
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook gently for about 6 to 8 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for just one minute so it releases its savory aroma without burning. Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and garlic powder, cooking an additional minute so those herbs bloom in the hot oil.
Step 3: Deglaze the Skillet
Pour in the red wine or beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with your spoon to lift all those caramelized bits of flavor left behind. Let the liquid simmer and reduce for a minute or two to concentrate those wonderful flavors before carefully transferring everything into the slow cooker with the meats.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Now for the tomato party: add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker. Season with the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using bay leaves, tuck those in now too. Give everything a good stir so all those juicy, herby components marry into one delicious sauce.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let it simmer away for 8 to 10 hours without needing a stir. This long, gentle cooking is where the sauce transforms into that irresistible, thick, savory masterpiece with layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
When your sauce is done, it’s ready to be ladled generously over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese to add a salty, melty finish to this cozy, homemade classic.
How to Serve Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a handful of fresh chopped basil, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate your Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe from delicious to show-stopping. These small touches add layers of texture and bursts of brightness or heat that pair beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
The perfect side dishes to accompany this hearty sauce include a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread to soak up every last drop, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers that add freshness and color to your plate. These sides complement the sauce’s deep flavor without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of the classic spaghetti, try serving this sauce over polenta, spiralized zucchini noodles, or even stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist. You can also use it as a base for baked pasta casseroles or as a dipping sauce alongside homemade Italian meatballs for a comforting crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for about 3 to 4 days, and flavors tend to deepen even further overnight, making the next-day taste just as incredible.
Freezing
This sauce freezes beautifully, which means you can make a big batch ahead of time and stash some in the freezer for busy nights. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags and label them with the date. Frozen sauce stays delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm refrigerated leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This prevents the sauce from sticking and helps maintain that wonderful texture and flavor you love.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative, but since it’s less fatty, you might want to add a little extra olive oil or even some finely chopped mushrooms to keep the sauce rich and satisfying.
Do I have to brown the meat before adding to the crock pot?
Browning the meat adds amazing flavor and texture to the sauce by caramelizing the proteins and fats. While you can skip this step for convenience, browning is highly recommended for the best results.
Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and beef, and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or chopped vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to maintain heartiness and flavor.
Is it necessary to use red wine?
Not at all. Red wine adds a lovely depth, but beef broth or even water can be used as a substitute without compromising the overall deliciousness of the sauce.
How thick will this sauce be after slow cooking?
The sauce thickens to a luscious, hearty consistency after cooking for several hours, becoming perfect for coating all types of pasta without being watery or too dense.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and comfort a slow-cooked sauce like this brings to your kitchen and dinner table. This Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is proof that with a little patience and some fantastic ingredients, you can create a dish bursting with complex flavors that taste like hours of work but require just minutes of prep. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!
Print
Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce recipe delivers a rich and flavorful Italian-style sauce slow-cooked to perfection. Combining ground Italian sausage and beef with a robust blend of tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of red wine, it simmers low and slow for hours, making it a perfect hands-off meal starter ideal for busy days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine or beef broth
- 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, not drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 bay leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Brown meats: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Brown both 1 pound of ground Italian sausage and 1 pound of lean ground beef, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks and work in batches if necessary. Drain excess fat if desired. Transfer the browned meat to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook aromatics and season: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Then add the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
- Deglaze: Pour 1/2 cup red wine or beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer on medium-high heat until the liquid evaporates, about 1-2 minutes. Carefully transfer this mixture to the slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients: Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce to the slow cooker. Season with brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and add bay leaves if using. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours without stirring to allow the sauce to develop deep flavors and a thick consistency.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the sauce hot over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Optionally, top with grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute red wine with beef broth as suggested.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
- Do not stir the sauce during cooking to allow maximum flavor development.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all canned tomato products and sausage are gluten-free certified.
