Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty slow-cooked spaghetti sauce with rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings. It develops deep flavor over hours.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans diced tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef and onion to a slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, bay leaf, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and dried thyme to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or until heated through.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your preference; fresh herbs can be used if available, but add them towards the end of cooking for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the slow-cooked spaghetti sauce over al dente pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, try it as a filling for stuffed shells or layered in a baked dish like Easy Microwave Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 419 calories, with 13g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (176% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% 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 spaghetti sauce vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this sauce vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute instead. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure all ingredients are cooked through and flavorful.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out too watery, you can thicken it by letting it simmer uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the sauce and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Adding chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your sauce. Just sauté them with the onions and ground beef at the beginning for the best results.
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).