Spaghetti Sauce In The Crock Pot
Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to make spaghetti sauce? Look no further than your crock pot! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty and satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Most of these ingredients are probably already in your pantry, so you won't even need to make a trip to the grocery store!
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your crock pot.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and water to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the better it will taste!
- When the sauce is done, give it a good stir and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can serve it immediately over cooked spaghetti noodles, or let it cool and freeze it for later.
Variations:
This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to make it your own by adding or subtracting ingredients. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar for a healthier sweetener.
With this easy and delicious recipe, you'll never want to buy store-bought spaghetti sauce again! Plus, you'll love how convenient it is to make in your crock pot. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
