Slow Cooker Hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Transform your dinner time with this flavorful Slow Cooker Hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce. A favorite recipe shared by a dear friend, it’s designed for busy families who crave delicious home-cooked meals without the hassle. Simply brown the ground beef in the morning, toss all the ingredients—packed with rich tomato flavor, savory spices, and tender mushrooms—into your crock pot, and let it simmer throughout the day. In just 6-8 hours, you’ll be treated to a robust meat sauce that perfectly complements al dente spaghetti. Serve it with a warm loaf of garlic bread for an unforgettable family dinner. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also creates a cozy atmosphere that brings everyone to the table, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when hosting friends.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 (lb, browned)
Minced onion
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
Dry mustard
1/2 (teaspoon (optional))
Tomato sauce
8 (ounces)
Allspice
1/4 (teaspoon)
Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Canned mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (drained)
Tomato juice
3 (cups)
Spaghetti
4 (ounces, broken into 4-inch pieces (add more if desired))
Instructions
1
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2
Transfer the cooked ground beef to the crock pot.
3
Add the minced onion, salt, garlic powder, dry mustard (if using), tomato sauce, allspice, pepper, drained mushrooms, and tomato juice to the crock pot.
4
Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
5
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6
In the last hour of cooking, turn the heat to high and add the broken spaghetti pieces to the sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the spaghetti is submerged in the liquid.
7
Once the spaghetti is cooked to your desired tenderness, serve hot with garlic bread.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Slow Cooker Hearty Spaghetti Meat Sauce.
How much ground beef is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef.
Do I need to cook the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain the excess fat first.
How long does the sauce cook on the low setting?
It should cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Is there a faster cooking option for the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours.
How much minced onion is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced onion.
What amount of salt is used in this meat sauce?
One teaspoon of salt is used.
How much garlic powder should I add?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is dry mustard a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard is optional.
What size of tomato sauce is used?
The recipe requires an 8-ounce container of tomato sauce.
What spice gives the sauce a robust flavor?
One-quarter teaspoon of allspice is used to enhance the flavor.
How much pepper is added to the sauce?
One-quarter teaspoon of pepper is added.
What type of mushrooms should be used?
Use one 4-ounce can of mushrooms, drained.
How much tomato juice is required?
You will need 3 cups of tomato juice.
How much spaghetti is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of spaghetti, but you can add more if desired.
How should the spaghetti be prepared before adding it to the pot?
The spaghetti should be broken into 4-inch pieces.
When do you add the spaghetti to the slow cooker?
Add the spaghetti pieces during the last hour of cooking.
What should I do with the heat setting when I add the spaghetti?
Turn the heat to high for the final hour of cooking.
How do I ensure the spaghetti cooks properly in the sauce?
Stir gently to ensure the spaghetti pieces are fully submerged in the liquid.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a warm loaf of garlic bread.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
The dish contains 20g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 15g of fat.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 11 ingredients listed in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for busy families?
Yes, it is designed for busy families who want home-cooked meals without a lot of hassle.
Can I use a crock pot for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or crock pot.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include slow cooker, spaghetti, meat sauce, family meal, and comfort food.
Is this a good recipe for hosting friends?
Yes, it creates a cozy atmosphere that is ideal for hosting friends.
What is the source of this recipe?
It is a favorite recipe shared by a dear friend.
What is the intended texture of the spaghetti?
The goal is to serve it when the spaghetti is cooked to your desired tenderness.