Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

Crock pot spaghetti sauce made with ground beef, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, slow cooked for rich, hearty flavor. This easy homemade pasta sauce is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and freezer meals. A classic slow cooker spaghetti sauce recipe with thick, flavorful tomato-based sauce and simple ingredients.

This crock pot spaghetti sauce is rich, hearty, and full of classic Italian flavors. Made with ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and dried herbs, it simmers low and slow for a thick, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta nights and easy meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Season ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef and onion to a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, bay leaf, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, thyme, and chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours.
5. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the butter until melted, and serve hot over cooked pasta.

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Tips

• Browning the beef before adding it to the crock pot enhances flavor and improves texture.
• Stir the sauce occasionally during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the butter.

Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms.
• Sweeter sauce: Increase brown sugar slightly if desired.
• Herb variation: Add fresh basil or rosemary for added flavor.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours, though slow cooking on low gives the best depth of flavor.

Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Do I have to add butter?
No, but it adds richness and balances acidity from the tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over spaghetti, penne, or gluten-free pasta.
• Use as a sauce for baked ziti, lasagna, or stuffed peppers.
• Top with grated parmesan or fresh herbs before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker method with minimal prep
• Thick, flavorful sauce with classic Italian taste
• Great for batch cooking and freezing
• Family-friendly pasta sauce perfect for weeknight dinners