Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

A rich and meaty spaghetti sauce easily made in the crockpot – it makes enough to feed an army and you can freeze the leftovers!

Spaghetti sauce always came in a jar for us. The homemade version never existed. My mom was a home cook but only when it came to Korean food, although she did make a mean baked ziti. It involved store-bought spaghetti sauce of course.

But once I started cooking, my eyes were open to the wonders of homemade spaghetti sauce. I’ve made several variations throughout the years but my new favorite spaghetti sauce has to be this crockpot version. Loaded with crumbled ground beef and spicy Italian sausage, this gets cooked in a stew of amazing flavors for 8 hours. Yes, 8 hours!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker spaghetti sauce is a game-changer for busy evenings. It’s rich, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. Just set it in the morning and come home to a delicious home-cooked meal. Plus, it’s perfect for freezing, so you can enjoy it anytime without the hassle.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• A large skillet
• A slow cooker
• A wooden spoon or spatula
• A knife and cutting board

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the beef and sausage as it cooks; drain excess fat.
2. Place ground beef mixture into a slow cooker. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaves, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
3. Stir well and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

For best results, use fresh ingredients and ensure your garlic is finely minced for even flavor distribution. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients. For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 300 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option.

How long can I store leftovers? This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make this sauce on the stovetop? Absolutely, just simmer on low heat for about 1-2 hours until the flavors meld together.

Conclusion

Give this slow cooker spaghetti sauce a try and enjoy a homemade meal that’s sure to impress. Let us know how it turns out and feel free to share your own variations in the comments below!