Spaghetti And Meat Sauce Slow Cooker
Spaghetti and meat sauce are one of the classic and most favorite dishes of many people. However, it can be a bit time-consuming to prepare, especially if you are cooking for a large group of people. But what if there was a way to make it easier and more convenient? That's where the slow cooker comes in! In this article, we will show you how to make spaghetti and meat sauce in a slow cooker, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without all the hassle.
What is a slow cooker?
A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a kitchen appliance that allows you to cook food at a low temperature for an extended period. It consists of a ceramic or porcelain pot that is surrounded by an electric heating element. The lid of the slow cooker seals in the heat and moisture, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse the flavors of the ingredients.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 cups of water
Instructions
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make spaghetti and meat sauce in a slow cooker:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add 4 cups of water to the slow cooker and stir again.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- When the meat sauce is almost done, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Using a ladle, spoon the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe:
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
- You can add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought spaghetti sauce instead of making your own.
- You can cook the spaghetti in the slow cooker instead of boiling it separately. Just add the uncooked spaghetti to the meat sauce during the last hour of cooking and stir to combine.
- You can freeze the leftover meat sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Spaghetti and meat sauce is a classic and delicious dish that can be made even easier with a slow cooker. By following these simple instructions and tips, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal without all the hassle. Give it a try and see how easy it can be!
