Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

You know those slow-cooked, deeply flavorful sauces that taste like they’ve been simmering all day at your Italian grandma’s house? Yeah, this is that sauce. This Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is rich, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s a little sweet, a little tangy, a lot savory—and the best part? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just want to elevate your weeknight pasta game, this sauce is your go-to. Trust me—after one bite, you’ll never reach for a jar again.

Why You’ll Love Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

This isn’t just a sauce—it’s a kitchen hero. Here’s why it’ll become a staple in your rotation:

Set It and Forget It: The crockpot makes it so easy. Just toss everything in, walk away, and come back to the most amazing aroma filling your home.

Slow-Cooked Flavor: Cooking low and slow gives the sauce time to develop layers of flavor—sweet tomato, savory herbs, rich meat, and a hint of spice.

Perfectly Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch, freeze in portions, and dinner’s halfway done for weeks to come.

Versatile: Serve it over spaghetti, zoodles, lasagna, meatball subs—whatever your pasta-loving heart desires.

Better Than Jarred: This sauce has depth and richness that store-bought simply can’t compete with. One taste and you’ll see why homemade wins every time.

Ingredients in Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

This sauce is all about building bold, savory flavor from simple pantry staples. Let’s break it down:

Ground Beef:

Adds richness and a meaty heartiness that makes this sauce extra satisfying. It browns up beautifully before joining the crockpot party.

Italian Sausage:

A little spicy, a little sweet, a lot flavorful. It’s the ingredient that gives your sauce that “wow, what’s in this?” quality.

Onion:

Cooked until soft and fragrant, onions bring natural sweetness and savory depth.

Garlic:

Garlic = flavor magic. It infuses the sauce with that comforting, mouthwatering aroma we all crave in pasta dishes.

Crushed Tomatoes:

The base of the sauce—thick, rich, and tomatoey. These give your sauce that velvety texture and bold flavor.

Tomato Sauce:

Adds body and helps mellow the crushed tomatoes. It keeps the sauce smooth and pourable.

Tomato Paste:

This is your secret weapon for a rich, umami-packed sauce. It concentrates that tomato flavor like nothing else.

Sugar:

Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out their natural sweetness.

Italian Seasoning:

A classic herb blend that gives your sauce those cozy, familiar Italian notes.

Dried Basil and Oregano:

For extra herbaceous flavor. These dried herbs infuse into the sauce beautifully during the slow cook.

Salt & Pepper:

Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste as the sauce cooks down and the flavors deepen.

Optional: Red Pepper Flakes

If you like a little heat, add a pinch! It gives the sauce just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.

Instructions

Let’s make the most comforting, flavor-packed sauce your crockpot has ever seen.

Brown the Meat:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up as it cooks for a nice even texture. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to your slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add to the slow cooker.

Add Remaining Ingredients:

To the slow cooker, add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.

Let It Simmer Low and Slow:

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.

Taste and Adjust:

Before serving, give your sauce a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt, or an extra dash of herbs.

Serve and Savor:

Ladle generously over your favorite pasta, spoon into a lasagna, or save for later—you’ve officially made the best spaghetti sauce around.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8–10
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count here]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total Time: Up to 8 hours, mostly hands-off

How to Serve Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

• Over Pasta: The classic. Spoon it over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a comforting, satisfying meal.
• In Lasagna: Use it as a rich meat sauce layer in your favorite lasagna recipe.
• With Garlic Bread: You’re going to want something to mop up every last bit—hello, warm garlic bread.
• On Subs: Add some to toasted rolls with mozzarella for easy homemade meatball (or sausage) subs.
• As a Dip: Serve warm with breadsticks, cheesy garlic knots, or even roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add diced mushrooms, lentils, or chopped veggies for a hearty plant-based version.
• Freeze for Later: Let the sauce cool completely, then freeze in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Double the Batch: If your slow cooker can handle it, double the ingredients and freeze half for busy nights.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over spiralized zucchini, roasted spaghetti squash, or low-carb noodles.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Just keep in mind it’s leaner, so you may want to add a bit of olive oil or more sausage for extra richness.

Q2: Can I cook the sauce longer than 8 hours?
A2: You can—but be sure it doesn’t dry out. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick during extended cooking.

Q3: Can I skip the sugar?
A3: Totally. The sugar is just to balance acidity. If your tomatoes are sweet enough or you prefer it less sweet, feel free to leave it out.

Q4: What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
A4: You can use all ground beef or sub with any ground meat. Add extra Italian seasoning to make up for the missing flavor boost.

Q5: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A5: Yes! Use the sauté function for the meat and aromatics, then pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with a natural release.

Conclusion

This Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is comfort food at its finest—rich, hearty, and loaded with slow-cooked flavor that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen (when really, your slow cooker did all the work). Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this sauce has you covered. Go ahead—make a big batch, freeze some for later, and get ready for the best pasta nights ever.

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