Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

INTRODUCTION

Slow cooker spaghetti sauce is a delightful dish that many people love. This recipe allows you to prepare a rich and hearty pasta sauce with minimal effort. You can leave it to cook while you go about your day, and it fills your home with wonderful aromas. This sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti, making it a family favorite for dinner. The ingredients work together to create a delicious flavor that everyone will enjoy.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this slow cooker spaghetti sauce for many reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make. Just chop, mix, and let the slow cooker do the work for you. Secondly, it is great for feeding a crowd. This recipe makes a large batch that can easily feed your family or guests. It is also perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save some for later. Additionally, this sauce is packed with flavor from fresh herbs, spices, and savory meats. Each bite is filled with richness, making it a satisfying meal. Finally, the slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a sauce that tastes like it has been simmering all day.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Making slow cooker spaghetti sauce is simple. Just follow these steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You will need the following tools to make this spaghetti sauce:

• A Dutch oven or large skillet for browning the meat
• A 5-quart slow cooker to cook the sauce
• A large spoon for stirring
• A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3/4 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 4 medium onions, finely chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Hot cooked spaghetti

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and cook until the meat is no longer pink. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes.

2. Once the meat is cooked, drain excess fat to keep the sauce light.

3. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a 5-quart slow cooker.

4. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, canola oil, and all the seasonings: parsley, basil, oregano, bay leaves, sage, salt, marjoram, and pepper.

5. Mix everything well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop.

7. When the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the bay leaves from the sauce.

8. Serve the spaghetti sauce over hot cooked spaghetti.

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HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Serving slow cooker spaghetti sauce is straightforward. After cooking, prepare a plate of hot cooked spaghetti. Spoon a generous amount of sauce over the noodles. You can add grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Fresh basil or parsley can also be sprinkled for a nice touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad, making it a complete meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

You can store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. The sauce can be frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some ideas for serving your slow cooker spaghetti sauce:

1. With Garlic Bread: Pair the sauce with warm garlic bread for a tasty side.
2. Over Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
3. In Lasagna: Use the sauce as a filling for homemade lasagna.
4. On a Pizza: Spread the sauce on pizza dough for a delicious homemade pizza.
5. Over Risotto: Serve it over creamy risotto for an Italian twist.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to vary this slow cooker spaghetti sauce recipe. Here are some ideas:

• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute ground beef and sausage with lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Consider adding chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for additional nutrition.
• Spice it Up: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños when mixing in the ingredients.
• Red Wine Addition: Pour in a little red wine for a depth of flavor.
• Creamy Sauce: Add a dollop of cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

2. Is it necessary to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
While it is recommended to brown the meat for added flavor, you can skip this step if you are short on time.

3. Can I make spaghetti sauce without meat?
Absolutely! You can create a delicious meatless spaghetti sauce by using extra vegetables or lentils for protein.

4. How long can I keep leftovers?
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

To make your cooking process easier, you can prepare some ingredients in advance. Chop the onions and garlic the night before, or even brown the meat ahead of time. Store the cooked meat in the refrigerator and combine it with the other ingredients in the slow cooker in the morning. This way, you can come home to a warm, welcoming meal ready to serve your family. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker spaghetti sauce!

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