Easy Does It Spaghetti(Crock-Pot)
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish made in the crock-pot with ground beef and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting family dinner or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef well in a skillet and place it in the crock-pot.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the crock-pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 3.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or plant-based meat can work as great substitutes. Additionally, feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. This recipe is also versatile; you can swap the spaghetti for other pasta types like penne or rotini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Does It Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added richness. This dish pairs beautifully with Ann Landers' World Famous Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner experience. For a little kick, serve with a side of Pronto Mild Chili.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the spaghetti absorbs too much sauce, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Does It Spaghetti(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 105 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2061mg per serving (90% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat. Just ensure to sauté any vegetables before adding them to the crock-pot to enhance their flavors.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If the sauce turns out too watery, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock-pot about 30 minutes before serving, and it will thicken the sauce nicely. Alternatively, you can let it cook uncovered for the last hour to reduce the liquid.
Can I add vegetables to this spaghetti dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the other ingredients. They will cook down nicely in the crock-pot.
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).