Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
This Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender homemade Italian meatballs with a rich tomato sauce, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. The best part? The uncooked pasta is added directly into the Crock Pot, soaking up all the saucy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot dish saves time without compromising flavor. With fresh basil and Parmesan as garnishes, it’s a family-favorite meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Customize it with your favorite seasonings for a personal touch!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 pound lean ground beef
½ pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild)
½ cup plain breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
½ small sweet onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
2 cans crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (15 ounces)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef stock
½ small sweet onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Use clean hands to mix thoroughly. Roll into 1-inch balls and place them at the base of your slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In another bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, onion, garlic, sugar, basil, and Italian seasoning. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.
3. Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Add Pasta:
In the last 30-40 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked spaghetti. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Serve warm for a comforting family dinner!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Uncooked Pasta: You can add uncooked spaghetti directly into the slow cooker. It absorbs the sauce for extra flavor! Add it towards the end to prevent mushiness.
Make-Ahead Option: Cook and freeze the meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months. Reheat and add pasta when ready to serve.
Customization: Use store-bought marinara sauce for a quicker option, but ensure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta.
Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, slow cooker spaghetti, easy meatball recipe, one-pot dinner, Italian comfort food, family-friendly slow cooker meals, homemade tomato sauce, tender meatballs, spaghetti recipes, easy Crock Pot dinners.
Enjoy this classic comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor!