Tasty Crock-Pot Spaghetti Sauce
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti sauce simmered in the crock-pot, featuring beef, tomatoes, mushrooms, and a blend of spices—perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up and undrained ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 minced onion ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Break up uncooked beef and put it in the crock-pot.
- Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and remaining ingredients.
- Add 1/3 cup water.
- Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours.
- Thicken the sauce with a mixture of 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Stir in the cornstarch solution, cover, and cook until the sauce is thickened.
- Serve over hot, cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute. You can also use canned diced tomatoes with herbs for added taste. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference, or omit it for a milder sauce. This recipe is versatile and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne, for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete dinner. For a fun twist, try it over baked potatoes or use it in a layered dish like Roman Casserole for a comforting family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tasty Crock-Pot Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 240 calories, with 9g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% 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 sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed, as different meats may require different preparation methods.
Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them before adding to the sauce if you prefer a softer texture. This can make the sauce even heartier and is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.
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).