Letting ground beef simmer with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried basil all day gives this crockpot spaghetti and meat sauce a slow-cooked depth you cannot rush. The garlic and onion mellow into the sauce, so it tastes like it has been on the stove for hours.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Easy Crockpot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
This hearty meal features ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with herbs and spices, served over spaghetti. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, and it takes about 6-8 hours in the crockpot, serving 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Cook Spaghetti: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Serve the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
I cook the spaghetti fresh and ladle the sauce over the top, saving a little pasta water to loosen things if needed. A dusting of Parmesan and some torn basil is all it needs to finish.
