If you’ve ever longed for a hearty, comforting sauce that practically simmers itself while you go about your day, then you’re in for a treat with this Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. It’s the ultimate no-fuss, slow-cooked tomato sauce that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers robust flavors that meld perfectly together. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this sauce will become your go-to for cozy family dinners or weeknight meals that need a little extra love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in building a rich, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of herbs, spice, and meaty goodness.
- 1 lb ground beef: Browning it adds savory depth and a satisfying texture to the sauce.
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) diced tomatoes: Provide fresh, chunky tomato flavor and a bright, natural sweetness.
- 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base with a rich, concentrated taste.
- 1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Smoothes out the texture for a velvety finish.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Adds classic Italian herbal notes that elevate the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings an earthy freshness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Delivers just the right hint of subtle heat.
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. This step is essential because the caramelized bits add incredible flavor to your sauce. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to your crockpot, leaving the excess grease behind for a leaner result.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, add your minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper directly into the crockpot with the beef. Stir everything well so all those flavors start mingling beautifully right from the start.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and let your sauce simmer slowly on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or, if time is tighter, on HIGH for 4 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken to that perfect consistency that clings deliciously to your spaghetti noodles.
How to Serve Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley add a burst of color and brightness that complements the rich sauce beautifully. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that classic finishing touch that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. These sides offer a refreshing contrast and make the meal feel complete without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try this sauce over spiralized zucchini noodles for a lower-carb twist, or use it as a bubbling base for a baked spaghetti casserole. You can even spoon it over roasted veggies or use it as a dip for warm breadsticks—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this versatile Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
This sauce freezes wonderfully for up to three months. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers so you can thaw just the right amount when you’re craving a quick dinner solution.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure it heats evenly. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this sauce, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Just brown it the same way before adding other ingredients.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before adding to the crockpot?
Browning the beef is recommended to develop richer flavor and remove excess fat. However, you can skip this step in a pinch—just be aware the sauce may not be as deeply flavored.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh basil and parsley can be substituted! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs to dried for a bright, vibrant flavor.
How thick should the sauce be when it’s done?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat your pasta well but still moist and saucy—slow cooking helps the liquids reduce naturally to this perfect consistency.
Can I make this sauce without meat for a vegetarian option?
Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for texture and richness. The herbs and tomato base still create a delicious vegetarian sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a real game changer when it comes to effortless weeknight cooking. Its rich flavor, cozy warmth, and ability to simmer itself into perfection make it a beloved favorite in my kitchen. I hope it becomes one of yours too—there’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a slow-cooked sauce ready to be spooned over your favorite pasta. Give it a try and watch this simple recipe become a treasured classic in your household!
Print
Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is a flavorful, slow-cooked tomato sauce with browned ground beef and a blend of classic Italian herbs. Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows the sauce to simmer gently in a crockpot, developing rich flavors that are ideal served over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (browned)
Aromatics
- 2–3 cloves of minced garlic
Tomato Base
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 small can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and drain excess grease.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Place the browned beef into a 4-5 quart crockpot.
- Add Ingredients: Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper into the crockpot with the beef. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Sauce: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the spaghetti sauce hot over your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes in the crockpot on HIGH.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
