Crock Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Crock Pot Spaghetti is the weeknight dinner people request again and again, and for good reason: it transforms simple ingredients into the kind of classic comfort food that brings everyone running to the table. Imagine hearty pasta cooked right in a zesty, meaty marinara sauce, then blanketed in melty cheese—every bite is saucy, cheesy, and rich with flavor, all with barely a dish to wash. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just love easy, hands-off meals, Crock Pot Spaghetti makes delicious memories while doing most of the work for you. Let’s dive into the irresistible, cozy world of this family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crock Pot Spaghetti lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds something special, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish pure comfort. Don’t skip the little touches; they’re what take this from ordinary to outstanding.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the beef beautifully browned without sticking.
• Lean ground beef: Brings hearty, savory flavor and a satisfying, meaty bite to every forkful.
• Diced yellow onion: Lends natural sweetness and depth to the sauce, softening as it cooks.
• Minced garlic: Fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and gives the sauce its classic Italian flavor.
• Italian seasoning blend: A pinch of herbs ties everything together—think oregano, basil, thyme—in each bite.
• Salt and black pepper: These kitchen staples are essential for balancing the dish and letting every flavor sing.
• Spaghetti noodles: Breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly and soak up all that meaty sauce—don’t skip this step.
• Tomato & basil marinara sauce: Using a quality jarred sauce makes things easy, adding instant saucy goodness.
• Crushed tomatoes: Adds body and just the right tang, giving the sauce a true homemade feel.
• Chicken broth: Keeps things moist and infuses subtle savory flavor as the noodles cook (add half, then the rest later).
• Grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing a salty, nutty boost that feels indulgent.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The crowning touch—gooey, stringy, and impossible to resist when melted.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but brightens up the final dish and looks beautiful sprinkled on top.

How to Make Crock Pot Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Beef & Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and break up the beef as it browns—after 5 to 6 minutes, you’ll have a pot of sizzling, fragrant goodness. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat, so your Crock Pot Spaghetti sauce stays rich but not greasy.

Step 2: Layer the Sauce & Pasta in the Crock Pot

Spoon the cooked beef and aromatics into your slow cooker. Add the broken spaghetti noodles (snapping them in half works wonders for even cooking). Pour over the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and just 1 cup of the chicken broth. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure the sauce coats every strand of pasta. This base is where all the slow-cooked magic begins.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfect

Pop the lid onto your crock pot and set it to HIGH. Let your Crock Pot Spaghetti merrily bubble away for about 2 hours. You’re looking for perfectly tender noodles and a sauce that’s thickened and infused with the savory beef and tomato flavors. Watch the clock—overcooked noodles can get mushy, so check for doneness at the 2-hour mark.

Step 4: Stir, Then Add More Broth

Once the noodles are just tender, gently remove the lid and pour in the remaining cup of chicken broth. Use a pasta spoon or tongs to stir everything together and distribute the sauce and noodles evenly. This final splash of broth loosens up the sauce, making every bite lusciously saucy without turning soupy.

Step 5: Cheese Time

Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the top, followed by a generous shower of shredded mozzarella. Pop the lid back on and let everything cook for another 20 to 30 minutes, just until the cheese is melty, bubbly, and ever-so-tempting. Trust me, this is the moment when everyone starts hovering in the kitchen!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take off the lid, and if you’re feeling fancy, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the gooey cheese. Your Crock Pot Spaghetti is now ready—colors are vibrant, the aroma is incredible, and the melted cheese on top is just calling your name.

How to Serve Crock Pot Spaghetti

Garnishes

Right before serving, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you love a punchy kick, offer extra grated parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil at the table—simple additions that boost the flavors and make your Crock Pot Spaghetti look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better than some warm, crusty garlic bread for scooping up any leftover sauce on your plate. A bright, crunchy Caesar salad or steamed green beans adds color and balance, while roasted vegetables fit right in for a heartier meal. The beauty of Crock Pot Spaghetti is that it plays well with just about any side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try twirling individual portions with a large fork for that classic Italian restaurant look, then top with a pretty parsley sprig. For parties, serve your Crock Pot Spaghetti straight out of the slow cooker so guests can help themselves—set up a toppings bar with extra herbs, cheese, and even red pepper flakes for the adventurous ones. Want to wow the kids? Serve in ramekins for personal pasta bakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Crock Pot Spaghetti cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a lifesaver for lunches or quick weeknight dinners. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if leftovers taste even better!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze some portions, go right ahead! Divide cooled spaghetti into resealable freezer bags or containers, squeezing out any excess air. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re craving it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to warm up your Crock Pot Spaghetti, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water or broth and cover the pan to help the pasta steam and regain its sauciness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and heat until steaming hot throughout. Top with a little extra mozzarella or parmesan to freshen up the cheesy topping before serving.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta besides spaghetti?

Yes, you can swap the spaghetti for linguine, fettuccine, or even penne, but adjust the cook time since shapes cook at different rates. Always break longer noodles to ensure they fit and cook evenly.

Do I have to brown the meat first?

Browning the ground beef (with onions and garlic) before adding to the crock pot unlocks big flavor and keeps the sauce rich. You could skip it in a pinch, but the texture and depth just aren’t the same—worth the extra pan!

How can I prevent mushy noodles in Crock Pot Spaghetti?

The key is to check your noodles at the 2-hour mark and avoid overcooking. Broken noodles help cook evenly, and stirring in extra broth helps them stay just saucy enough without becoming soggy.

Can I make Crock Pot Spaghetti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the beef and start with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a meaty texture. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and proceed as usual—you’ll still get all the classic comfort with a veggie twist.

Is it possible to double the Crock Pot Spaghetti recipe?

You can, as long as your slow cooker is up for the job. Just make sure not to fill past two-thirds full so everything cooks evenly. You might need to give it a gentle stir halfway through to keep the noodles from sticking together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a true crowd-pleaser, look no further than Crock Pot Spaghetti. It’s easy, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners. Gather your favorite people, plug in the slow cooker, and let the comfort (and compliments) roll in!

Print