Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a rich and hearty sauce that’s perfect for a comforting meal, allowing the flavors of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices to meld together over hours of slow cooking. This hands-off recipe makes it easy to prepare a flavorful homemade sauce, ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish. Using a slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor as the tomatoes break down and the seasonings infuse into the sauce, creating a thick, robust sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a meaty sauce)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the meat (optional): In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the sauce: In the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, chopped onion, garlic, basil, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
- Cook the sauce: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t stick to the sides.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Stir in fresh parsley if using. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make sauce, perfect for making weeknight dinners or family gatherings feel extra special!
