Crockpot Gourmet Spaghetti Sauce with Savory Meatballs
Indulge in the rich flavors of this slow-cooked spaghetti sauce paired with succulent meatballs that will leave your taste buds begging for more! With just 15 minutes of prep time, this effortless recipe combines a medley of mushrooms, green peppers, and a blend of exquisite sauces to create a thick, satisfying sauce perfect over your favorite pasta or nestled in a hearty meatball sandwich. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish promises to impress without the hassle.
6-8 servings
Servings
270
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pepperidge Farm stuffing, dry cubes
1 cup (use onion & sage variety)
ground beef
1.5 lbs
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
water
0.5 cup
parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (substitute Andrea’s sauce if available)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (substitute Tastefully Simple Onion Onion if available)
mushrooms, sliced
2 cups
green pepper, diced
1 medium
four cheese pasta sauce
24 ounces (preferably Hunt's in a can)
tomato sauce
7.5 ounces (1 can)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry Pepperidge Farm stuffing, ground beef, lightly beaten egg, water, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and dried onion flakes. Mix until just combined.
2
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3
Layer sliced mushrooms and diced green peppers over the meatballs for added flavor and texture.
4
Pour the four cheese pasta sauce and the tomato sauce evenly over the top, being careful not to disturb the meatballs.
5
Without stirring, gently shake the slow cooker to help the sauce settle down towards the meatballs.
6
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours. To prevent the meatballs from breaking apart, do not cook for longer than recommended.
7
After 3 hours, carefully stir the sauce and meatballs to redistribute flavors. Stir again once per hour if possible.
8
Serve the savory meatballs and thick sauce over al dente pasta or in crusty rolls to create delicious meatball sandwiches. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
16g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crockpot Gourmet Spaghetti Sauce with Savory Meatballs?
It is a slow-cooked Italian-style meal featuring homemade meatballs and a thick, mushroom-infused sauce designed for pasta or sandwiches.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What is the preparation time for this recipe?
The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
How long do the meatballs and sauce cook in the slow cooker?
They should cook on the low setting for 5 to 6 hours.
What setting should my crockpot be on?
The recipe specifies using the low setting for optimal results.
Can I leave the meatballs in the crockpot for more than 6 hours?
It is recommended not to cook them longer than 6 hours to prevent the meatballs from breaking apart.
What size should I make the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?
No, the recipe instructions state to place the raw meatballs directly into the bottom of the slow cooker without browning.
What kind of stuffing mix is used in the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dry Pepperidge Farm onion and sage variety stuffing cubes.
Are there any substitutes for Worcestershire sauce recommended?
Yes, the recipe suggests using Andrea’s sauce as a substitute if it is available.
Which pasta sauce is recommended for this dish?
A 24-ounce container of four cheese pasta sauce, preferably Hunt's in a can, is recommended.
What can I use instead of dried onion flakes?
Tastefully Simple Onion Onion can be used as a substitute for the dried onion flakes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients used in this dish.
What fresh vegetables are added to the sauce?
The recipe includes 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and 1 medium diced green pepper.
When is the best time to stir the meatballs while cooking?
Carefully stir the sauce after 3 hours of cooking, and then once per hour if possible thereafter.
What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
You can serve the meatballs and sauce over al dente pasta or in crusty rolls for meatball sandwiches.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this spaghetti sauce?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 19 grams of protein.
What type of breadcrumbs are needed for the meatballs?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Does this recipe include any eggs?
Yes, it uses one lightly beaten egg as a binding agent for the meatballs.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I ensure the meatballs don't fall apart during cooking?
To prevent them from breaking, avoid overcooking past 6 hours and do not stir during the first 3 hours.
Should I stir the sauce right after pouring it over the meatballs?
No, you should pour the sauce over the top and gently shake the slow cooker to let it settle without stirring it initially.
What size of tomato sauce can is needed?
The recipe uses one 7.5-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an effortless recipe ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
What kind of cheese is inside the meatballs?
The meatballs contain 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese.
How much water is added to the meatball mixture?
The recipe calls for 0.5 cup of water to be mixed into the meatball ingredients.
What is the main source of meat in this dish?
The primary meat source is 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
What makes this sauce gourmet?
The combination of four cheese pasta sauce, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and savory stuffing-based meatballs creates a gourmet flavor profile.