Description
This Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty and flavorful sauce that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker, making it a convenient and delicious meal option for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and meat: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned, breaking it up.
- Transfer to crockpot: Drain excess fat. Transfer meat mixture to the crockpot.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, herbs, spices, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cook in crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf and serve: Discard bay leaf before serving. Serve sauce over cooked pasta.
Notes
- This sauce freezes well—cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- For added depth of flavor, stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of cinnamon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
