Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

Know how there are certain foods that will always have a special place in your heart? Well, spaghetti sauce is one of mine. From the aroma while it simmers, to that rich and meaty flavor, it all makes me feel soooo happy Which is exactly why Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is the feel-good comfort food recipe I reach for again and again. 

On top of it being the ultimate comfort food, this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce requires minimal effort and prep, so it’s perfect for busy weekdays when I’m short on time but still want to serve up a delicious and satisfying meal. Just like this easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

All you need for this incredible Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce is a handful of everyday ingredients and another handful of delicious herbs and spices. Yeap, you can use your everyday pantry staple ingredients to effortlessly make this flavorful pasta sauce. 

Why You’ll ♡ This

• Great for freezing
• Fantastic meal prep solution
• Always a crowd pleaser
• Only requires minimal prep and minimal effort
• Uses everyday ingredients

Tools You Need

• An awesome Slow Cooker.
• A skillet.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Meal prep glass jars for storing.

Friends, let’s gather up those ingredients because I can’t wait to show you….

How To Make Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Heat oil in a skillet. Add beef and onion and cook until beef is browned. Drain excess fat and add mixture to slow cooker.
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix.
3. Cover and cook for 4 hours on high (not mixing) or 7-8 hours on low (make sure to mix once halfway through)
4. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve over spaghetti noodles.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Try adding a quarter cup of red wine for even more flavor. 
• If you don’t have Italian seasoning, add in extra oregano and some basil. 
• Roasting the herbs and spices before adding them to the crockpot will add a nice depth of flavor to this sauce.
• Try mixing some parmesan cheese into the sauce as its cooking. 
• Cooking times may vary depending on the size, make, and model of your slow cooker. Make sure to consult your manual as necessary. 

Delicious Variations

This Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce recipe is delicious as is, but here are some variations to try;

• Swap ingredients: Use a half-pound of ground beef with a half-pound of Italian sausage. Swap in sugar or stevia, etc. for maple syrup. 
• Add in vegetables: Try mushrooms, green pepper, celery, spinach or kale. 
• Add heat: Try a little bit of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chipotle or jalapenos. 
• Make it lighter and healthier: Use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.

Pro Tip: If you add Italian sausage, you will want to omit or lower the amount of salt you use. 

Meal Prep And Prep Ahead

Spaghetti Sauce is always great to have on hand for quick set and forget family meals. 

• Prep Ahead – This recipe is so easy to make. And you can brown the ground beef beforehand and keep in the fridge until ready to make. 
• Store – Make ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
• Freeze – Let cool down then transfer into these very handy Ziploc Freezer bags. Squeeze out all the extra air and seal the bags. Label the bags and then lay them flat in the freezer. Store in the freezer for 3 months.
• Reheat – If you want to reheat your sauce, try tossing it in a saucepan on the stove for a few  minutes or until it’s warm again once stirred 
• Meal Prep – You can easily double or triple this recipe to make extra for other meals or freeze it for later use.

Pro Tip: When storing leftovers, put it in single-serving containers or bags to make reheating easier.

FAQs

How Do I Make Thick Spaghetti Sauce?

If you like a thicker homemade spaghetti sauce or feel that your is too watery or thin, add a small can of tomato paste. 

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes?

Guys, if you have a bunch of fresh tomatoes to use, you can absolutely toss them in here.

This is a great sauce to make when tomatoes are in season and in abundance. Make extra and freeze to use for later. Just make sure to peel the skin off first though. 

What Kind Of Pasta?

You can use any pasta you have on hand; you don’t have to use spaghetti noodles.  

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs.
• Fresh Green Beans – 4 ways to cook.
• Easy Homemade Italian Pizza Dough.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

• Crockpot Mashed Potatoes.
• Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
• Crockpot Green Beans and Bacon.
• Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas.
• Crockpot Breakfast Casserole.
• Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs.
• Crockpot Meatballs and Spaghetti.
• Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
• Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole.
• Crockpot Tomato Soup.
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Mash.
• Crockpot Mashed Butternut Squash.
• Slow Cooker Enchiladas Casserole.
• Slow Cooker Venison Stew.
• Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken Stew.

Weight Watchers Points 

There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving.

Thank you for reading my Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

Get The Slow Cooker Pasta Sauce Recipe: