Have you ever wished for a dinner that practically cooks itself while you go about your day? Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of marinara, perfectly cooked noodles, and gooey melted cheese. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not! With this Crock Pot Spaghetti recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of a hearty homemade meal without slaving over the stove. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish and why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why this recipe is a game-changer:
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor : Just toss in your ingredients, set it, and forget it.
- Perfect for Busy Days : Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or errands, this dish has your back.
- Customizable : Want to add veggies or switch up the cheese? Go for it!
If you’ve been searching for fix-and-forget meals crock pot style , this spaghetti is your answer. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-comforting.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Pasta Crock Pot Recipe :
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (because who doesn’t love a good beefy base?)
- 1 cup diced onions (for a little kick of flavor)
- 48 oz marinara sauce (two jars—trust me, you’ll want plenty!)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (hello, herbs galore!)
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, uncooked (yes, you read that right—uncooked!)
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish:
- A sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color
How to Make Crock Pot Spaghetti
Ready to turn your slow cooker into a pasta-making powerhouse? Here’s how:
Step 1: Brown That Beef!
Start by browning your ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions to the mix—this combo creates a flavor foundation that’s hard to beat. Once the beef is cooked through and no pink remains, drain off any excess grease.
Pro Tip : Crumbling the beef as it cooks ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Layer Up in the Crock Pot
Dump the beef and onion mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce on top, followed by the water, Italian seasoning, garlic puree, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing—just wait until it simmers for hours!
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it cook on low for 2 hours. This gives the flavors time to meld together, creating a sauce that’s rich and irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
After 2 hours, break your spaghetti noodles into thirds and gently stir them into the sauce. Don’t worry if they’re not fully submerged—the liquid will expand as it cooks. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another hour.
Step 5: Cheese, Please!
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the parmesan and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let it melt for about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in! Each bite is a comforting blend of savory beef, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
This Crockpot Spaghetti Ground Beef dish isn’t just easy—it’s foolproof. By cooking the noodles directly in the sauce, they absorb all those incredible flavors. Plus, the slow-cooking process ensures the beef stays tender and juicy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles : Keep an eye on them during the last hour to avoid mushy pasta.
- Experiment with Add-Ins : Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Double the Batch : Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Crock Pot Spaghetti: Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef because who doesn’t love a good beefy base?
- 1 cup diced onions for a little kick of flavor
- 48 oz marinara sauce two jars—trust me, you’ll want plenty!
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning hello, herbs galore!
- 1 tablespoon garlic puree because garlic makes everything better
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles uncooked (yes, you read that right—uncooked!)
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional Garnish:
- A sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color
Instructions
- Step: Brown That Beef!: Start by browning your ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions to the mix—this combo creates a flavor foundation that’s hard to beat. Once the beef is cooked through and no pink remains, drain off any excess grease.
- Pro Tip : Crumbling the beef as it cooks ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Step: Layer Up in the Crock Pot: Dump the beef and onion mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce on top, followed by the water, Italian seasoning, garlic puree, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. At this point, your kitchen will already smell amazing—just wait until it simmers for hours!
- Step: Let It Simmer: Pop the lid on your crock pot and let it cook on low for 2 hours. This gives the flavors time to meld together, creating a sauce that’s rich and irresistible.
- Step: Add the Noodles: After 2 hours, break your spaghetti noodles into thirds and gently stir them into the sauce. Don’t worry if they’re not fully submerged—the liquid will expand as it cooks. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another hour.
- Step: Cheese, Please!: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the parmesan and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, cover, and let it melt for about 30 minutes.
- Step: Serve and Savor: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in! Each bite is a comforting blend of savory beef, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese.
Notes
More Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes to Try
If you’re loving the idea of slow cooker pasta recipes , here are a few more dishes to add to your list:
- Crock Pot Taco Soup : A zesty blend of ground beef, beans, and veggies.
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese : Creamy, cheesy comfort food at its finest.
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo : Perfect for when you’re craving something decadent.
Tips & Variations
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh basil or oregano can be added at the end for a fresh flavor boost.
- Protein Options: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning quantities to suit your taste preferences!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen after a long day and being greeted by the smell of a home-cooked meal. With this Crock Pot Spaghetti , you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic Italian dish without the hassle. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a cozy meal for one, this recipe has got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and let’s make dinner stress-free. After all, life’s too short for complicated meals—especially when fix-and-forget meals crock pot style are this good!
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Tried This Recipe?
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