↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Dinner » Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

by Sarah Olson on October 17, 2019 | Updated May 5, 2022 63 Comments

17382 shares
  • 4938
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
collage of spaghetti sauce images for pinterest

Slow Cooker Spaghetti sauce is slow-cooked and full of vegetables and herbs; perfect over any shape of pasta.

We love pasta night at our house. When we aren’t making this classic spaghetti sauce in our crockpot, we have Pesto Mozzarella Chicken and pasta, Cajun Chicken Fettuccine, or Ravioli Lasagna.

Close up of cooked spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker.

How to make slow cooker spaghetti sauce:

You will need these ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 28 oz. diced tomatoes (two 14 oz. cans) do not drain
  • 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • ½ cup diced white onion
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • pinch red pepper flakes

Directions:

  • Set a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown and crumble the beef. Drain the fat.
  • Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir
Ground beef, tomato paste, sugar, seasonings, tomatoes, onions and garlic.

How long do I cook spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker?

  • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
  • Stir and serve on desired noodles. I use bucatini noodles, they are a larger noodle with a hollow in the center and goes great with slow cooker spaghetti sauce.
Ingredients for spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker separated in sections.

How do I make a thick spaghetti sauce?

A small can of tomato paste is what I use thicken this spaghetti sauce. Do not forget to add it or you will have a watery sauce.

stirred uncooked spaghetti sauce in the slow cooker.

Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

  • You can substitute one pound of Italian Sausage for the ground beef in this recipe.
  • Cut the salt in half for the recipe in half if you use Italian sausage.

Can I add frozen meatballs instead of ground beef?

Use a 2 lb. bag of frozen meatballs if desired in place of the groung beef.

cooked spaghetti in a slow cooker with garlic bread and noodles on the side.

Can I add uncooked noodles into the sauce in the slow cooker?

DO NOT add uncooked noodles to the slow cooker. The slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough, fast enough to properly cook noodles. The noodles will turn out mushy.

close up of cooked meaty spaghetti sauce in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon in it.

Can I make this vegetarian?

  • Add soy crumbles to this recipe instead of ground beef if desired.
  • Or add chopped carrots, celery and mushrooms.
3 bowls of spaghetti with sauce on top.

Can I add red wine?

Add a half cup of red wine at the beginning of the recipe if you would like a red wine flavored sauce. I like to use red blend when I’m cooking (and for drinking).

close up of a bowl of spaghetti and sauce.

How should I serve Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce?

  • Pour over cooked noodles. Standard spaghetti, angel hair or bucatini.
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Green salad and dressing
  • Garlic bread

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

cooked spaghetti in a slow cooker with garlic bread and noodles on the side.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

4.93 from 92 votes
Homemade spaghetti sauce slow cooked to perfection. Just pour over noodles when you arrive home.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 148kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 28 oz. diced tomatoes (two 14 oz. cans) do not drain
  • 6 oz. can tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. dried basil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

For serving:

  • cooked noodles
  • parmesan cheese
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • In a large skillet set to medium high heat, add the ground beef. Brown and crumble with a spatula or wooden spoon. Drain the fat.
  • Add the meat to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Do no open the lid during the cooking time.
  • Serve with desired cooked noodles and top with parmesan cheese.
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Can I use Italian Sausage instead of ground beef?
  • You can substitute one pound of Italian Sausage for the ground beef in this recipe.
  • Cut the salt in half for the recipe in half if you use Italian sausage.
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of ground beef?
Use a 2 lb. bag of frozen meatballs if desired in place of the ground beef.
Can I make this Vegetarian?
  • Add soy crumbles to this recipe instead of ground beef if desired.
  • Or add chopped carrots, celery and mushrooms.
Can I add red wine?
Add a half cup of red wine at the beginning of the recipe if you would like a red wine flavored sauce. I like to use red blend when I’m cooking (and drinking).
Can I add uncooked noodles to the slow cooker?
DO NOT add uncooked noodles to the slow cooker. The slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough, fast enough to properly cook noodles. The noodles will turn out mushy.
 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 511mg | Potassium: 723mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 531IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More pasta night recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti
  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce with Kielbasa
  • Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
  • Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Penne
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazinni
  • Slow Cooker Pizza Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Zucchini Bolognese

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    17382 shares
    • 4938

    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Shari says

      June 15, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Is the carb count with or without noodles?

      Reply
    2. Debbie says

      May 20, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      LOVE this sauce!!! Didn’t realize how much it made. I froze what was left over and it was just as good. Will cut recipe in half next time.

      Reply
    3. Meghan says

      April 26, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      How much pasta should I cook for this amount of sauce?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        April 26, 2021 at 4:29 pm

        I’m thinking about 3/4- 1 pound.

        Reply
    4. Chuck says

      April 17, 2021 at 2:48 am

      1 star
      Can I put the meatballs in the sauce raw?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        April 17, 2021 at 11:35 am

        yes, that will work fine.

        Reply
    5. Robbi says

      February 21, 2021 at 11:55 am

      Try it with purple cabbage instead of noodles. I love it.

      Reply
    6. Blag says

      February 15, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      5 stars
      I made this a few times now and the family loves it the only thing is for noodles I use Chinese noodles because they are so thin and I found once you boil the noodles for 3 min drain get sauce pan and butter and cook noodles in pan some they turn out great

      Reply
    7. Charles (Chuck) Peters says

      February 9, 2021 at 12:23 pm

      I seen your recipe for this sauce and cooking it at t his very minute in my so cooker, I have made and tossed many other spaghetti sauce recipes in the trash, I’m hoping yours is going to be a keeper! I used mild ground Italian sausage 1 lb. My wife Susan who battled brain cancer died and her awsome recipes went with her, everyone is eating good in Heaven!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 9, 2021 at 1:19 pm

        I hope you like this recipe Charles. I’m so sorry about your wife, you were lucky to enjoy her recipe while you did.

        Reply
        • Chuck Peters says

          February 11, 2021 at 8:04 pm

          5 stars
          It’s a keeper, I added a half of chopped bell pepper. Added more Basil and oregano one quarter cup Merlot wine. Definitely Will make it again, so good and so easy. Thx for sharing this recipe!

        • Chuck Peters says

          February 11, 2021 at 8:05 pm

          Almost forgot I also added 18 home made meatballs.

    8. Beverly says

      January 16, 2021 at 12:58 pm

      I will be adding frozen meatballs instead of ground beef. When do I add them? Thanks

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 16, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        I would add them the last 2 hours.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          March 14, 2022 at 8:44 pm

          Is this two hours low or high?

        • Sarah Olson says

          March 14, 2022 at 10:59 pm

          Either would work fine. You can not overcook frozen meatballs, they only get better in the slow cooker (any temp).

    9. Tanya says

      December 30, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      Can this sauce be used for lasagna?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 30, 2020 at 2:11 pm

        Yes, it will work very well.

        Reply
    10. Martyna Sprague says

      December 29, 2020 at 4:29 am

      Can I use 1 can of tomato sauce instead of two cans of diced tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        December 29, 2020 at 8:12 am

        You probably can without issue.

        Reply
        • Sharon L Brewer says

          January 10, 2021 at 9:26 am

          What size can of tomato sauce?

        • Sarah Olson says

          January 10, 2021 at 9:33 am

          I would do the same amount of ounces you are substituting for (which may be more than one can).

    11. MOM OF TWO says

      December 21, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      YUM MY SON LOVES SPEGHETTI 24/7

      Reply
    12. Lisa says

      December 1, 2020 at 8:49 am

      2 stars
      Well, I will continue to “tinker” with this recipe. I found this sauce to be very watery. Seems like it needed more tomato sauce. I didn’t care for it. And the flavor was a little bland and I’m not sure why. Great idea, loved the crushed tomatoes, I’ll just add more tomato sauce next time.

      Reply
    13. William says

      November 29, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic Recipe ! This is our new to go pasta sauce.

      The additional secret ingredients to add are a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Trust me !!

      You can also use Ground Turkey instead of Ground Beef. In addition, if you want to save time you can buy minced garlic in a container and use a teaspoon.

      Reply
    14. Pinnie says

      November 29, 2020 at 5:58 am

      Delicious! Crock pot sauce, I use fresh tomatoes and added yellow, red and orange peppers and mushrooms. I also added a bit more pepper flakes, love spicy hot food. This is our weekly go-to working from home.

      Reply
    15. Rebecca Oswald says

      October 21, 2020 at 12:47 am

      5 stars
      This is my go to spaghetti sauce, I quadruple the recipe and split it up in 16 oz containers and freeze them. My household LOVES the taste of this sauce and we will never go back to store bought again! Thanks for such a great recipe!! I would give it 10 stars if I could!

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Sides

    fried apples on a spoon coming from crockpot

    Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe {Crockpot}

    cooked caramelized onions in the slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

    slow cooker peas and carrots on a metal spoon

    Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots

    cooked cauliflower and broccoli casserole in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

    jalapeno mac and cheese cooked in a crockpot

    Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    close up of baked beans with a wooden spoon in it.

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of chocolate cake with warm peanut butter icing

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

      Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2022, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs