Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker spaghetti sauce packed with ground beef, tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs. Perfect for wholesome family dinners or casual gatherings, this robust sauce develops rich flavors over hours of slow cooking, offering a comforting and satisfying meal with a classic Italian flair.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. finely minced onions ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can chopped mushrooms, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can tomato puree ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a frypan and drain the grease.
- Place the browned beef into the crock-pot.
- Add finely minced onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley flakes, and undrained chopped mushrooms.
- Stir thoroughly with a fork until well blended.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato puree, tomato paste, and canned tomatoes.
- Blend everything together thoroughly and cover.
- Cook on low setting for 12 to 15 hours.
- Optionally, cook on high setting for 4 to 7 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or a mix of chopped vegetables. Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dinner. You can also use it as a filling for dishes like the Quick Lasagne or in a classic Italian Meat Pie for a fun twist. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently simmer on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to restore the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 559 calories, with 16g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value), and calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% 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 use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using lentils or a combination of chopped vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out too watery, you can simmer it uncovered for a while to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, adding a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little water) can help thicken it quickly.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat before serving.
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).