If you’re anything like me, the idea of a slow-simmering pot of spaghetti sauce filling the house with delicious smells is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Crockpot spaghetti sauce takes all the work out of getting that rich, deep flavor—just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker works its magic, transforming basic ingredients into something truly spectacular. It’s the perfect comfort food for cozy nights, busy days, or a family dinner.
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Trust me, this sauce is a game-changer. Once you taste it, you’ll never look at store-bought sauce the same way again. The best part? You can make a big batch and have leftovers that are even better the next day.
So let’s dive into this easy, hands-off spaghetti sauce!
Why You’ll Love Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something that will be the star of your next meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, hosting a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this sauce delivers every time. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for pasta, but don’t stop there! You can also use this sauce for meatball subs, pizza, or as a base for other Italian dishes.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. No need to spend extra for pre-made sauces; this one delivers homemade flavor at a fraction of the cost.
Hands-Off Cooking: With the crockpot, you can set it and forget it. The slow simmering process lets the flavors meld together effortlessly while you go about your day.
Customizable: Add more garlic, heat it up with some red pepper flakes, or make it extra savory with a handful of Parmesan. You can tweak this sauce to suit your taste buds.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a small group or a hungry family, this sauce is always a hit. Everyone loves a hearty, flavorful pasta sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.
Ingredients in Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity. You’ll be amazed at how such humble ingredients come together to create something truly delicious:
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The base of this sauce, these tomatoes are what give it that deep, rich flavor.
Tomato Paste: Adds an extra layer of depth and thickness to the sauce.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic, adding richness to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic depth that fills your kitchen and your senses.
Onion: Sweet and savory, onions add a perfect foundation to the sauce.
Dried Oregano & Basil: These two herbs are the backbone of any classic spaghetti sauce. They give the sauce its signature flavor profile.
Sugar: A pinch of sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a slight sweetness.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, these are essential to bring everything together.
Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle, earthy note that enriches the sauce.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this savory masterpiece:
Prepare Your Aromatics: Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant and soft. This helps bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
Add the Tomatoes: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the crockpot. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, and bay leaves.
Season and Stir: Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine. This will help all the flavors meld together.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will deepen.
Taste and Adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if you like.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve over your favorite pasta, or use it for meatballs, pizza, or any other Italian dish you crave.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
This sauce is incredibly versatile, and the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ways to serve it up:
Classic Spaghetti: The obvious choice—serve this sauce over your favorite pasta for the ultimate comfort food.
Meatball Subs: Top a hoagie roll with a scoop of sauce, add some homemade or store-bought meatballs, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Yum!
Pizza Base: Use this sauce as the base for homemade pizza. It adds a tangy, flavorful kick to your crust.
With Garlic Bread: Dip some warm, buttery garlic bread into the sauce for the perfect side.
As a Dip: Use it as a dip for mozzarella sticks, breadsticks, or even veggies.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Add Meat: If you prefer a meaty sauce, brown some ground beef, turkey, or sausage and add it to the sauce once it’s cooked.
Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking for a spicy kick.
Make It Smooth: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend everything together before serving.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this sauce without a crockpot?
A1: Absolutely! You can make it on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot for 1-2 hours until it thickens.
Q2: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A2: Yes! You’ll need about 10-12 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may take longer to break down.
Q3: Can I freeze this sauce?
A3: Yes! It freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I use this sauce for lasagna?
A4: Absolutely! This sauce makes a fantastic base for lasagna—just layer it between noodles, cheese, and your favorite fillings.
Q5: How can I make this sauce more garlicky?
A5: Add extra minced garlic or even roasted garlic to the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
Q7: How do I make this sauce gluten-free?
A7: This sauce is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta or any other gluten-free dish you prefer.
Q8: Can I make this sauce spicier?
A8: Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or even a chopped jalapeño to bring some heat.
Q9: Can I use a slow cooker on high heat if I’m short on time?
A9: Yes! Cooking on high for 3-4 hours will give you a similar result to cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
Q10: Is this sauce vegan?
A10: Yes, this sauce is vegan as long as you use plant-based pasta. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade spaghetti sauce that’s slow-cooked to perfection. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner party, this Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce will be the highlight of your table. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and flavorful homemade tomato sauce made with ground beef, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs, simmered in a slow cooker to develop deep flavors. Perfect for spaghetti or your favorite pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 15 oz. cans tomato sauce
- 2 6 oz. cans tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spaghetti or other pasta for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the crockpot with the cooked beef.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the beef broth, water, dried basil, oregano, fennel, parsley flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has simmered and the flavors have melded, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer part of the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
- For a richer flavor, let the sauce cook for the full 8 hours on low.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg