Crock-Pot Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty crock-pot spaghetti sauce packed with beef, vegetables, and bold spices, perfect for a comforting family dinner that develops rich flavors over slow cooking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and drain the excess fat.
- Place the cooked ground beef in the crock-pot.
- Add minced garlic, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, chopped celery, drained mushrooms, tomato paste, salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and curry powder to the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours.
- Serve the sauce over hot spaghetti noodles and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of red wine to the sauce. If you're looking to reduce fat, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based protein. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance the taste. To save time, prep the vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sauce over al dente spaghetti noodles, and don't forget to sprinkle it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Garlic bread and a simple side salad pair wonderfully with this dish. For a twist, you can also use the sauce as a topping for baked potatoes or as a base for dishes like Good-N-Easy Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 167 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (136% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 make this sauce vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative. This will provide a similar texture while keeping the dish vegetarian. Just adjust the cooking time if you use lentils, as they may take less time to cook than beef.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the sauce to achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your sauce by adding vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Just chop them finely and add them to the crock-pot along with the other ingredients for a nutritious boost.
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).