Bob Boyardee'S Famous Italian Spaghetti Sauce(Slow Cooker Recipe)
A hearty, flavorful Italian-style slow cooker spaghetti sauce featuring ground beef, sausage, mushrooms, and tomatoes, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 to 5 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can beef consomme soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can tomato soup
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz.) jars sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced garlic or 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 can Italian style stewed tomatoes, well drained (optional) ⓘ
- cooked spaghetti or linguine noodles
Instructions
- Combine ground chuck and Italian sausage in a skillet and brown together.
- Drain the cooked meat well.
- Add the browned meat, beef consomme, tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, tomato paste, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, drained sliced mushrooms, minced garlic or garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and optional drained stewed tomatoes to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Add the drained stewed tomatoes during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or linguine noodles with garlic bread on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of tomato soup or add a bit of tomato paste. This sauce also pairs beautifully with Sister Marie'S Spaghetti Sauce for a delightful combination.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious sauce over cooked spaghetti or linguine noodles for a classic meal. It's perfect alongside garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with your favorite lasagna. This sauce also works well as a filling for stuffed peppers or baked pasta dishes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bob Boyardee'S Famous Italian Spaghetti Sauce(Slow Cooker Recipe) contains roughly 296 calories, with 19g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and iron. At about 296 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. You can also use a mix of meats for added depth, such as using pork sausage alongside ground beef.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a little beef broth, water, or even a splash of red wine to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and substitute with lentils or mushrooms for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef consomme and ensure that your soups are vegetable-based. This will create a hearty and flavorful sauce without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).