This slow cooker spaghetti sauce recipe combines lean ground beef, garlic, and a medley of herbs and spices for a flavorful dish that’s perfect over spaghetti. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal that satisfies every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Growing up, we had spaghetti and meat sauce for dinner every single Monday. For years. Which kind of turned me off to spaghetti for a long time. So when I say this Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is the best, I really mean it!
This is the BEST !! I have made this multiple times for my family and have doubled it so I can freeze it for a quick meal. I tell everyone who is looking for a good pasta sauce recipe this is the one to use.
Ann
If I do eat spaghetti and meat sauce now, it has to be really, really good. And this stuff is absolutely amazing! I’m actually excited about eating spaghetti again!
My husband and boys, who don’t have a childhood aversion to spaghetti, wholeheartedly agreed. This is the best spaghetti sauce they’ve ever had.
And when you’re feeding hungry teenage boys, it doesn’t get much better than an easy, economical, satisfying meal like this one.
There aren’t any fancy ingredients here–ground beef, garlic, onions, canned tomatoes and lots of seasonings.
But this recipe features the perfect combination of those ingredients for a mouthwatering sauce that’s perfect for all kinds of pasta, or as filling for your favorite lasagna.
There are so many ways to use this sauce, and it makes a lot and freezes well, so you can always keep some handy for those busy nights when you won’t have time to cook.
This recipe is also perfect for feeding a crowd, and is always popular at potlucks. It’s also a great option if you want to take a meal to a new mom or someone else who could use a little comfort food.
One thing is for sure, after trying this recipe, I’m happily eating spaghetti once again!
This sauce is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! My friend made for her daughter’s graduation party this past Sunday. OUTSTANDING!! I just asked her for the recipe today. Can’t wait to make!
Molly
What Should I Serve With this Spaghetti Sauce?
Our favorite thing to enjoy with this spaghetti dish is some homemade bread, preferably with cheese and garlic. If we’re feeling healthy, we might throw in a green salad.
These are some of our favorite sides to enjoy with this hearty spaghetti sauce.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – I prefer lean ground beef to reduce the fat content in the sauce while still providing a rich, meaty flavor. If you’d prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile
- Onions – Yellow or white onions work best, but feel free to use what you have on hand
- Garlic – Adjust the amount depending on how garlicky you like your sauce. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- Crushed tomatoes – Canned crushed tomatoes are the base for the sauce, offering a smooth texture and rich tomato flavor. For a chunkier sauce, you could use diced tomatoes instead.
- Tomato sauce – Adds a smoothness to the texture of the sauce
- Tomato paste – Tomato paste is concentrated and adds a deep, rich flavor and thick texture to the sauce.
- Beef broth – I make my own using bullion to control the salt content. You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water if preferred, though beef broth intensifies the savory flavors.
- Spices: basil, oregano, fennel, parsley flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar helps to cut the acidity of the tomatoes and balances the overall flavor.
Recipe Tips
- For an even more flavorful sauce, substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage — sweet, mild or hot, depending on your preference
- The spices in this recipe, such as basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, can be customized to your liking. If you prefer a more herby sauce, feel free to add extra basil or oregano. Taste the sauce about halfway through cooking and adjust as needed.
- If you’re using fresh herbs like basil or parsley, it’s best to stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This preserves their bright, fresh flavors without them wilting or losing potency.
- To boost the nutrition of your sauce, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. These can be sautéed with the onions or added directly to the slow cooker.
How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Step 1
Beef It Up: Start by grabbing your largest skillet. Toss in your lean ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Cook everything over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Step 2
Into the Slow Cooker We Go: Transfer that deliciously browned beef mixture into your lightly greased slow cooker. Yes, it’s time for the slow cooker to do its magic.
Step 3
Tomato Time: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. We’re going all-in on that rich tomato flavor. Then, add the beef broth and water—it helps to loosen things up a bit.
Step 4
Herbs and Spices Galore: Now comes the fun part: adding the dried basil, oregano, fennel, parsley flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give it all a good stir.
Step 5
Set It and Forget It: Cover your slow cooker, set it to low, and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. Go ahead and do whatever you need to do—binge-watch a show, take a nap, or maybe even prep that spaghetti. Just don’t forget to check on your sauce once in a while. If it looks too thick, stir in a bit more water until it’s just right
Step 6
Pasta Party: When the sauce is ready, it’s time to boil up your favorite pasta. Ladle that rich, flavorful sauce over the top, and get ready to dig in.
FAQs
Do I have to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?While you can technically add raw ground beef to the slow cooker, I wouldn’t recommend it. Browning it first adds a lot more flavor and helps remove excess fat. It also helps the beef hold its texture better during the long cooking time.
Can I cook spaghetti sauce in the crockpot on high?If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the richest flavor.
Can I freeze the sauce?Yes. This spaghetti sauce freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to use it.
Can I double or triple this recipe?Yes, as long your slow cooker is large enough. Just make sure to leave some room at the top of the cooker for the sauce to simmer and expand as it cooks.
Be sure to save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
More Delicious Pasta Sauce Recipes to Try
Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 4-6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
- 2 6 oz. cans tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti or other pasta for serving.
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet, saute 1 pound lean ground beef with 1 small onion and 4-6 cloves garlic until cooked through. Drain grease. Add beef to a lightly greased slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients except spaghetti — 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes, 2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce, 2 6 oz. cans tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried fennel, 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, Salt and pepperto slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti or other pasta.
Video
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19 comments
Charlotte L
I doubled this recipe, however, I could not double the 28oz can of crushed tomatoes because my largest crock pot was to the top with only 1 can. It was delicious!! I froze 1/2 for later.
Ann marie
This looks delicious! What brand of sauce do you use ?
Danelle
I’m really not loyal to any one brand.
Tori
Hi There – How many oz is one serving and what is the nutritional info for one serving?
Carmen Cheung
I plan to make this tomorrow night.
Can I brown the ground beef, garlic and onions the night before and add everything in the next morning?
Or is it preferred that I cook the beef then add directly to the slow cooker ?
Christina Stuart
Hi, Danelle
I’m in Montreal, Canada, and I’m eight-one years young. I love my slow cooker as it gives me all day, every day, to serve as a volunteer.
I discovered your page by googling slow cooker spaghetti recipe. I looked at the Recommended Products and would like to purchase the Cook N Home 02401 Stainless Steel 4-Piece Pasta Cooker Steamer.
I would like to add to your earnings, however, if I order through your link which takes me to amazon.com, which comes up from your website, I will have to pay with a Canadian credit card in Canadian dollars for a total of CAD 106.32
Do you know if there is an alternate link for Canadian purchases?
Glad to have found your site … I have saved your website because your recipes are very much like the recipes I’ve saved in my Bridal Box, started in 1964. Just really good homestyle cooking ! ! ! (I’m not impressed with the recipes they’ve been churning out in this century.)
Waiting for your reply,
Christina Stuart
LeAnn Lunak
If I use Italian sausage instead of hamburger do I need to add the fennel? I dont want the fennel to overpower the other spices.
Debra Pettibone
This is in my crockpot right now and my second time of making it. The first time I made only half the recipe because it is just me. On that, I like more meat in my spaghetti sauce so I wound up using a full pound of meat on the half recipe. This time I’m making a full recipe because of company and used 2 lbs of meat. Everything else is followed as written in the recipe and it is delicious! No more jar sauces for me. If I have any left over, into the freezer it will go for a quick meal later.
Vanessa
This is the only recipe I use for bolognese sauce! I don’t change a thing, but I always wonder if lightly greasing the slow cooker is actually necessary. The flavor in this is phenomenal. The fennel makes it taste like a little sausage was used, when indeed it wasn’t. One of my top Pinterest recipes which I use quite often. 5 stars!!
Sharon
Okay, I have to tell you this is terrific and don’t mess with it folks! Sure, I added a pasta sauce and regretted the flavor. It is Simple, delicious and easy. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Sherry
Jessica
This looks great! Going to try on Monday Did everyone know that you can freeze leftover noodles?! I had no idea. Freezing leftover rice and noodles has been a game changer for dinner time.
Angie
This is in my crockpot right now. So excited for 5pm to come so I can try this out on my hubby and our little one. So far tastes and looks so good.
Dianne Melnick
I am making this tomorrow, can’t wait to try it!
Molly Hollingsworth
This sauce is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! My friend made for her daughter’s graduation party this past Sunday. OUTSTANDING!! I just asked her for the recipe today. Can’t wait to make!!
Ann
This is the BEST !! I have made this multiple times for my family and have doubled it so I can freeze it for a quick meal. I tell everyone who is looking for a good pasta sauce recipe this is the one to use. The only change i made is I used 1lb of italian sausage and 1 lb of ground beef when i doubled this recipe. Yummo!!!
Danelle
Thank you so much!
Beverly Weisbaum
What size slow cooker is used?
Danelle
I use a 6 quart.
Betsy
This sauce is the best! I am a vegetarian and I substituted the morning star crumble instead of the ground beef and used vegetable broth instead of beef and it is fabulous. My meat loving husband also loves when I make this sauce. The entire house smells so good as I use a ton of garlic, love the flavor. Thank you!