Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This Crock-Pot spaghetti recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy to make, delivers on flavor, and requires minimal cleanup – what's not to love? This healthy meal is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes for the whole family. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its most convenient!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, for a richer flavor)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
-
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. If using Italian sausage, remove it from casings before browning.
-
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
-
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
-
Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
-
Combine and Serve: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and add it to the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If desired, stir in the mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking or serve it on top.
-
Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Spaghetti:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use different meats: Experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or ricotta cheese for a creamier sauce.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Crock-Pot Spaghetti: Omit the ground meat and add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Meatball Spaghetti: Brown some meatballs separately and add them to the slow cooker along with the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the ingredients you use. For a general idea, one serving might contain approximately:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy crock-pot spaghetti recipe is a fantastic option for those seeking simple, healthy meals. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes that don’t require extensive cooking time or culinary skills. Enjoy this convenient and flavorful recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience with us!