Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Nothing beats a delicious plate of spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce, and with the help of a slow cooker, you can have a flavorful and tender sauce with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, as it requires only a few minutes of prep time and can simmer away all day while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally.
- After the sauce has cooked for the desired amount of time, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
It's important to note that the longer this sauce cooks, the better it will taste. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and flavorful. If you're short on time, you can cook the sauce on high for a shorter amount of time, but the flavor won't be as rich.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce:
- Use lean ground beef to prevent excess fat from building up in the sauce.
- If you're short on time, you can skip browning the beef and onions before adding them to the slow cooker, but the sauce won't be as flavorful.
- Adding a pinch of sugar to the sauce helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce before serving.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce is a family favorite and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd.