Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
124 CommentsUpdated Jun 23, 2026
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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty blend of beef, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, slow-simmered to perfection. This flavorful meat sauce pairs beautifully with any type of pasta for a satisfying, homemade meal.
Pasta night once a week is a must; if we aren’t making this easy spaghetti sauce, we make Pink Sauce Chicken Pasta, or Olive Garden Chicken Pasta.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Want to Make This
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
- Tips & Variations
- How to Serve Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
- Can Raw Ground Beef Be Put in Spaghetti Sauce in the Crockpot?
- How to Store Extra Spaghetti Sauce:
- More slow cooker pasta night recipes
- Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Featured Comment
“My all time favourite spaghetti sauce!! The splash of wine gives it a nice edge.”
– Kevin
Why You’ll Want to Make This
- When it comes to pasta sauce, your first thought might be to grab a few jars from the grocery store. While that’s certainly convenient, you can just as easily whip up a delicious, homemade sauce with little prep.
- This is my mom’s recipe that I’ve adapted for the slow cooker. I think you’ll love it!
- No standing at the stove stirring the pot, the crockpot does all the work.
- Makes plenty for dinner, and leftovers for later in the week, or you can freeze.
Recipe Ingredients
Ground Beef – Cooked and drained for a hearty base.
Canned Tomatoes – Crushed, diced (undrained), and tomato paste for rich texture and flavor.
Onion & Garlic – Diced onion and fresh minced garlic for depth and aroma.
Seasonings – A blend of brown sugar, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Simple to toss in the crockpot, but this sauce comes together by simmering all day!
- Cook the beef in a pan, then remove any excess grease. Combine all the ingredients in the Crockpot.
- Set the lid on and let it simmer away. Remember, the longer this cooks, the better it gets.
Tips & Variations
- Meat Swaps: You can substitute one pound of Italian Sausage for the ground beef in this recipe. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken or 2 lbs of frozen meatballs.
- Adding 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).
- Veggies: Add additional vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Here is how I serve this spaghetti sauce from the slow cooker to my family and guests:
- Spoon this homemade spaghetti sauce over your favorite noodles—such as standard spaghetti, angel hair, or bucatini. Try zucchini noodles if you’re keeping it low-carb.
- You can also use this sauce for slow cooker lasagna or try it in a ravioli lasagna for a fun and different twist.
- Serve it up with garlic bread, breadsticks, or any crusty bread you love to round out the meal.
- Reader Suggestion: Stir in some butter just before serving.
Can Raw Ground Beef Be Put in Spaghetti Sauce in the Crockpot?
No, not if you want it to turn out good. Raw meat cooked in the slow cooker, with sauces, turns into sandy bits and just makes the sauce bland and greasy. Cook that hamburger meat on the stove top.
How to Store Extra Spaghetti Sauce:
Place extras in the fridge for up to four days. Or for more extended storage, spoon into small portions and freeze for up to three months. Great for last-minute budget meals.
More slow cooker pasta night recipes
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs and Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti are classic family favorites—one a saucy, hands-off dinner and the other a cheesy, layered casserole made right in the slow cooker.
Cincinnati Chili and Crockpot Bolognese Sauce are hearty meat sauces perfect for serving over spaghetti when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. For a family style meal, try my slow cooker chicken spaghetti.
If you tried this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Happy Slow Cooking!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
How to Video
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
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.
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Is there a way to make this recipe diabetic friendly?
I see you use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, would this substitution make it diabetic friendly?
Hi Eileen, I would skip the sugar completely. I am not diabetic, so I am unsure if the rest of the recipe would be adequate.
OK to can this in qt jars?
I’m unsure if the ratio in correct to can this safely.
Can I use a 4 quart Cuisinart slow cooker I don’t have a 6 quart one.
I think it will fit!
This recipe is a great one, reminds of feeding our big family! 6 kids, 17 Grand kids and 13 Great grand kids. Thank you will definitely be makingi it!!!
How big is the serving size
I don’t measure that, I apologize.
How is there nutrition information then?
The calculator divides the ingredient nutrition by 10.
my all time favourite spaghetti sauce!! The splash of wine gives it a nice edge
Drain the fat? That’s where all the flavor is.
Leave it if you want.
If I precook meat do I add meat right away in crock pot and cook on low . Or should I add pre cooked meat later on
Yes, add it at the beginning.
If I make my own meatballs would I cook
the meatballs first and then add them into the sauce or brown them only and add them to the sauce?
I would only brown them and add them to the sauce, half way through the cooking time.
I have made this recipe and it is delicious. My Husband and Granddad loved it.