Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs
When it comes to easy and delicious meals, nothing beats the classic combination of spaghetti and meatballs. This dish is a favorite among many households, and for good reason - it's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is always satisfying. If you're looking for a way to switch up your usual spaghetti and meatballs recipe, try making it in a crock pot. Not only does this method save time and effort, but it also results in a deliciously tender and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
The ingredients for crock pot spaghetti and meatballs are simple and easy to find. You'll need:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 pound of spaghetti noodles
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped onion, minced garlic, spaghetti sauce, and water.
3. Pour half of the spaghetti sauce mixture into the crock pot. Add the meatballs on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce on top of the meatballs.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
6. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles.
Variations
While the classic crock pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add in some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini, for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
- Experiment with different types of sauces, such as marinara or alfredo, to switch up the flavor profile.
- Top the finished dish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Crock pot spaghetti and meatballs is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic prep work, you can have a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Try out the classic recipe or experiment with some variations to find your perfect version of this classic dish.