Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce With Meat
Are you tired of the same old spaghetti sauce? Do you want to try something new and delicious? Look no further than this slow cooker spaghetti sauce with meat recipe! This recipe is easy to make and will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, it's perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this delicious spaghetti sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional ingredients:
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup red wine
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to make this delicious slow cooker spaghetti sauce with meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- If using, add the chopped green bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, and red wine to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the sauce is done cooking, taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Serve over your favorite type of pasta and enjoy!
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker for this spaghetti sauce recipe has several benefits:
- It's easy and convenient. Once you've added all of the ingredients to the slow cooker, you can forget about it and let it cook on its own.
- The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful sauce.
- Slow cooking also makes the meat tender and juicy.
- Cooking in a slow cooker is energy efficient and won't heat up your kitchen like an oven or stove would.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best slow cooker spaghetti sauce with meat:
- For a chunkier sauce, add diced tomatoes or more vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
- For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno pepper.
- If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make this sauce on the stove. Just cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for 1-2 hours.
- This sauce freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Conclusion
This slow cooker spaghetti sauce with meat recipe is a delicious and easy way to switch up your usual pasta night routine. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful sauce. Plus, it's easy and convenient for busy weeknights. Use the tips and tricks above to customize the recipe to your liking and enjoy!
