Slo-Cooker Spaghetti
A hearty slow-cooker spaghetti dish featuring seasoned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender noodles, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and transfer it to the slow cooker.
- Add the onion salt, garlic salt, pepper, dry mustard, allspice, tomato sauce, and tomato juice to the slow cooker.
- Stir all ingredients together.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
- During the last hour, add the broken spaghetti noodles and stir occasionally until cooked.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially with the garlic salt and onion salt, as they can vary in strength.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the flavors well. This recipe pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Lasagna Baked By Mom for a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slo-Cooker Spaghetti contains roughly 182 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as different pasta types may require different cooking times. Make sure to add them during the last hour of cooking, similar to the spaghetti, to ensure they are perfectly cooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the slow cooker mixture and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply transfer it to the slow cooker and cook as directed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
What can I add to this recipe for more flavor?
Consider adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the slow cooker for extra vegetables. You can also stir in a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes or a splash of red wine for depth of flavor.
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).