Effortless Crock Pot Spaghetti
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for a big bowl of spaghetti but dread the thought of hours slaving over the stove? me too! honestly, that's where this crock pot spaghetti recipe comes in clutch.
It's basically my "lazy sunday" meal that magically appears on a tuesday night.
Slow Cooked Bliss
This isn't just any spaghetti sauce. it’s proper comfort food! think of that classic italian family recipe everyone raves about.
Now, imagine that made even easier. while its origins trace back to traditional italian cooking, the beauty of crockpot pasta recipes is its modern convenience.
It's perfect for busy people! this recipe is super easy and will make about 6-8 servings.
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Spaghetti
Aside from the sheer simplicity, this recipe is packed with flavour. the slow cooking makes all the difference!. eight hours of simmering really lets the flavours meld together.
This means a rich, delicious sauce is guaranteed. plus, it's a great source of protein and you can sneak in extra veggies.
Trust me, this easy crock pot meals will become a family favourite. it is so good you'll be adding it to your best crockpot recipes list!
Now, let's get to the good stuff!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Crock Pot Spaghetti Starter Pack
Right, let's talk about what you need to nail this lazy day spaghetti recipe ! honestly, this crock pot spaghetti is so simple, even i can't mess it up.
And that's saying something. no, really, it is!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here's what you'll need, measurements are important!
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Quality matters here. Look for 80/20 blend for flavour. Trust me on this.
- Onion: 1 large (150g) , chopped. Any yellow onion will do.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Jarred is fine in a pinch, but fresh is always better, innit?
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/794g) can . These are the base of your slow cooker spaghetti sauce .
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . Keeps everything saucy.
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce/170g) can . For that rich, deep flavour that is really crock pot italian recipes .
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Essential!
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Another must have.
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adds a subtle earthiness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional). For a little kick! You know, a bit of zing !
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , plus more to taste. Seasoning is key!
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) , plus more to taste. Obvious, but still...
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Adds moisture and flavour. Water works in a pinch!
- Spaghetti: 1 pound (450g) . Use your favourite shape!
- Fresh Parsley, chopped. For garnish. Makes it look all fancy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese. For serving. Because cheese makes everything better, doesn't it?
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up
Oregano and basil are a must. this is your essential spice combination . a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of warmth, which i always appreciate.
If you don't have thyme, use a bit more oregano and basil. sorted.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You will need:
- A Crock pot/Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large skillet (for browning beef - optional)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Honestly, if you don't have a skillet, just bung the beef straight into the crock pot . This is all about easy crock pot meals , isn't it?
Alright, let's get cooking! today, we're diving headfirst into the easiest, most comforting meal ever: crock pot spaghetti . seriously, forget slaving over a hot hob.
This is proper lazy day stuff, a 'slow cooker pasta recipes' dream!
Crock Pot Spaghetti: Your New Fave Weeknight Dinner
Honestly, who has time to cook these days? this easy crock pot meals recipe is your solution. just chuck everything in, set it, and forget it.
Imagine coming home to the smell of delicious, slow cooked spaghetti sauce . it's better than takeaway, promise! i have a slow cooker and i love it, best choice ever!
Prep Like a Pro: Getting Ready for Crockpot Pasta
First, mise en place , darling! chop one large yellow onion (about 150g). mince two cloves of garlic. grab your 1 pound of ground beef (450g).
Open your cans: 28 ounce (794g) crushed tomatoes, 15 ounce (425g) tomato sauce, and 6 ounce (170g) tomato paste. measure out your spices.
Organisation is the key!
The Magic: Slow Cooking to Perfection
- Brown the Beef (Optional): This is optional, mind you, but browning the beef adds a richer flavour. Do it in a skillet over medium high heat. Break it up as you go. Drain any excess fat.
- Dump and Go: Throw the beef (browned or not!), onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave!), 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup beef broth into your crock pot.
- Stir and Wait: Give it all a good stir. Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours .
- Pasta Time: About 30 minutes before serving, cook 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti according to the package directions. Don't overcook it! We want al dente.
- Combine and Serve: Drain your spaghetti. Stir it into the crock pot sauce. Toss it all together.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Pro Tips
- Don't Overcook: Keep an eye on the sauce. If it looks dry, add a splash of beef broth.
- Flavour Bomb: Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavour in the last hour.
- Salt to Taste: Seasonings are personal. Start with the listed amounts and adjust as needed.
- Pasta Timing: Make it al dente .
The Lazy Chef's Secret
Honestly, this lazy day spaghetti recipe is a lifesaver. we can also called like one of the best crockpot recipes !.
It's perfect for those days when you just can't be bothered, but you still want a proper, comforting meal. enjoy and you can try slow cooker ground beef recipes for other days.
Recipe Notes
Right, so you've got the crock pot spaghetti bubbling away nicely. but before you grab a fork, let's chew over a few extra bits and bobs.
Honestly, these little things can make all the difference. this lazy day spaghetti recipe isn't just about chucking stuff in and hoping for the best.
It's about making it amazing .
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look the Business
Okay, let’s talk presentation. this isn't just fuel, it's comfort food that deserves a bit of love. think about plating this beauty.
A swirl of spaghetti, a generous ladle of sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. boom! for an extra touch, a grating of parmesan.
Simple but effective. as for sides? forget fancy. garlic bread is your best mate. maybe a simple green salad for a bit of crunch.
And a chilled glass of italian red cheers!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries. refrigeration guidelines are easy: let the spaghetti cool down completely first. then, whack it in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.
It'll happily sit there for about 3-4 days. for the freezing options , it's much the same. cool it, container it, freeze it.
It'll keep for up to 3 months. reheating instructions are easy peasy. microwave it, heat it in a pan on the hob, or even put it back in the slow cooker pasta recipes .
Just make sure it’s piping hot before you tuck in.
Variations: Getting Creative
Fancy a change? this recipe is pretty flexible. for a dietary adaptation , you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Easy peasy. or, if you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for italian sausage. for seasonal ingredient swaps , think about adding some roasted butternut squash in the autumn.
Or some fresh basil and ripe tomatoes in the summer. crockpot pasta can be tailored to suit slow cooker pasta recipes .
Nutrition Basics: What's in it For You?
Let's be honest, this isn't exactly health food. but it's hearty and satisfying. it's got protein from the beef, carbs from the pasta, and a good dose of vitamins from the tomatoes.
It is one of the best crockpot recipes ! it's not crock pot cheesy chicken spaghetti , but it's still good.
The simplified nutrition information is, roughly, around 450 calories per serving. the key health benefits ? well, it's good for the soul! it's comforting, it's easy, and it brings people together.
What's not to love? try some slow cooker spaghetti sauce it is one of the easy crock pot meals . you can even use it for crock pot italian recipes if you want.
The slow cooker ground beef recipes are also good. so go on, give it a go. i know you will love this crock pot spaghetti .
And don't forget to tweak it to make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw ground beef in my crock pot spaghetti?
Yes, you can! While browning the ground beef beforehand adds a deeper flavour (think Maillard reaction and all that jazz!), it's perfectly safe to add raw ground beef directly to your crock pot spaghetti.
Just ensure the beef cooks through completely during the slow cooking process, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). It might just need a little stir at the beginning to break it up more as it cooks.
How do I stop my crock pot spaghetti sauce from being watery?
Nobody wants a watery sauce! There are a few tricks. First, don't add too much liquid at the beginning; the tomatoes will release moisture. If you find it's still too thin, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate, or stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it up just like they do on the telly!
How long can I keep leftover crock pot spaghetti?
Leftover crock pot spaghetti is fantastic the next day (or two!). Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through before serving. A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the hob will do the trick.
Can I add vegetables to my crock pot spaghetti recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even mushrooms work wonderfully in crock pot spaghetti. Add them along with the other ingredients at the beginning of the cooking process so they have plenty of time to soften.
They will taste delicious after slow cooking all day!
Can I freeze crock pot spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes remarkably well! Allow the spaghetti and sauce to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or zip-top bags. Be sure to portion it out into meal sized servings for easy thawing. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
What kind of pasta is best for crock pot spaghetti?
While you don't actually cook the pasta in the crock pot (trust us, soggy pasta is no fun!), the best pasta to serve with your crock pot spaghetti sauce is really a matter of personal preference!
Classic spaghetti is always a solid choice, but other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle (bow ties) work well too. Just remember to cook the pasta separately according to package directions and add it to the sauce just before serving.
Effortless Crock Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
