Crock Pot Spaghetti: A Simple, Delicious, and Effortless Recipe

Spaghetti night just got easier! Forget the stovetop fuss – this Crock Pot Spaghetti recipe delivers tender pasta and a rich, flavorful sauce all without the constant stirring and timing. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious. Let's dive in!

Why Choose Crock Pot Spaghetti?

There are many reasons why making spaghetti in a slow cooker is a game-changer:

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss everything in the crock pot, set it, and forget it! Minimal hands-on time means more time for you.
• Tender Pasta: The slow cooking process results in perfectly tender spaghetti, every single time. No more mushy or undercooked noodles!
• Flavorful Sauce: The sauce simmers low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and deepen over time.
• One-Pot Meal: Cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash!

Ingredients for the Best Crock-Pot Spaghetti

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or even vegetarian crumbles!)
• 1 cup water

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Spaghetti Instructions

1. Brown the Meat (Optional): If using ground beef or sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds depth of flavor. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the browned meat (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Stir well to combine.
3. Add Spaghetti: Carefully add the spaghetti to the slow cooker. Make sure it's mostly submerged in the sauce. If necessary, add a little more water.
4. Cook on Low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the spaghetti is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve: Serve hot, topped with your favorite cheese (Parmesan is classic!), and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for your Crock Pot Spaghetti

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add vegetables: Include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
• Make it cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella or ricotta cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Use different meats: Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even vegetarian crumbles work well in this recipe.
• Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking.

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