So Easy Crock-Pot Spaghetti
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker spaghetti dish featuring ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and diced onions in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef and onions to a greased slow cooker.
- Add the dry spaghetti sauce mix and tomato sauce to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3.5 hours.
- During the last hour, turn the slow cooker to high and add the dry spaghetti.
- Stir frequently to prevent the spaghetti from clumping together.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the beef and onion mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the dry spaghetti sauce mix with your favorite jarred sauce. Also, if you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute. This dish is so easy that it pairs beautifully with T'S Easy Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a side of Italian recipes like a Caprese salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered dish until heated through, stirring occasionally. For best texture, you might add a splash of water to help revive the sauce. This makes for an easy lunch option or a quick weeknight dinner.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of So Easy Crock-Pot Spaghetti contains roughly 445 calories, with 22g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium.
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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner meats may cook faster.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Cook the gluten-free spaghetti separately and add it to the slow cooker during the last hour, as it may require different cooking times compared to regular pasta.
What can I add to enhance the nutritional value?
Adding vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can boost the nutrition of this dish. Simply sauté them with the onions and beef before adding them to the slow cooker for an extra helping of vitamins.
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).