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spaghetti sauce with pasta and two forks on white plate with slow cooker in background
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Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Leave the jars of sauce on the shelf! Try the best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Recipe - made from scratch and perfect for a classic spaghetti dinner! With simple ingredients and a homemade seasoning, this meaty sauce is rich and full of authentic flavor.
Course Main Course, Meal Prep
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 155kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds lean ground beef 93% or leaner
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon jarred minced garlic)
  • 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons butter added at the end
  • Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, grated parmesan, cooked pasta for serving

Instructions

  • In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, add uncooked ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spaghetti seasoning
  • Mix gently to distribute seasoning and break up beef slightly (do not overmix)
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter during last 10-15 minutes of cook time until melted and well incorporated
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
  • Spoon over your favorite pasta and garnish with grated parmesan or herbs if desired

Notes

  • Refrigerate leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store fully cooled sauce in portions in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat sauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
  • Browning the ground beef beforehand is optional. This creates more of a finely crumbled texture, and you can drain off extra grease.
  • Use lean beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
  • If the sauce is too runny, leave the lid slightly open during the last 30 minutes of cook time or add another tablespoon of tomato paste.

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 3mg