Go Back
Slow Cooker Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Spaghetti

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Spaghetti is a rich, hearty dish that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a flavorful meal that brings the family together. Make it tonight for an easy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey or chicken
  • 1/2 onion finely diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 26 ounce jarred pasta sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Grater
  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, allowing it to warm up before adding the ground meat, onion, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the onion is tender.
  2. Once the meat is ready, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial to prevent a greasy sauce.
  3. Now, pour one jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a flavorful base for the noodles.
  4. Next, add 1 cup of water into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, ensuring that everything is well combined.
  5. It’s time to break the spaghetti noodles in half. Place them gently on top of the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
  6. Layer the cooked meat mixture on top of the spaghetti noodles. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the meat, adding a creamy texture that will melt into the dish.
  7. Now, cover everything with the second jar of pasta sauce. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to keep the noodles moist while they cook.
  8. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 2 to 2 and a half hours or low for 6 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and delicious meal.
  9. When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Stir everything together, making sure to combine all the ingredients for a consistent flavor throughout.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the Slow Cooker Spaghetti for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Tip 3: Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Tip 4: Substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms to make a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Tip 5: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
  • Tip 6: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for added creaminess.
  • Tip 7: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish and add freshness.