Crock Pot Spaghetti: Hearty Slow Cooker Pasta Recipe
Crock Pot Spaghetti is a hearty slow cooker pasta recipe loaded with ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese. This easy dinner is perfect for the whole family and takes minimal prep time with delicious results.
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
This recipe uses uncooked spaghetti noodles that cook directly in the sauce, making it convenient and flavorful. The final dish has a texture similar to baked spaghetti, packed with flavor.