Description
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe offers a convenient and flavorful way to prepare a classic Italian favorite. Combining savory tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and tender Italian meatballs simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, this dish delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. The spaghetti is cooked separately and mixed in before serving, creating a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Meatballs
- 56 oz. canned tomato sauce (two 28-oz. cans)
- 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 2 tsp. garlic powder or 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 26 oz. bag frozen Italian meatballs (26–32 oz. bag)
Spaghetti
- 8 oz. dried spaghetti (half of a 1 pound box)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce base: In the slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, garlic powder (or minced garlic), sugar, and parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to mix all the ingredients well, ensuring an evenly flavored base for the meatballs.
- Add the meatballs: Pour in the frozen Italian meatballs into the slow cooker with the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Cook the meatballs: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 8 hours. Cooking for the full 8 hours will allow deeper flavor development and tender meatballs, but 5 hours is sufficient if time is limited.
- Cook the spaghetti: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions in boiling salted water until al dente.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked spaghetti well and transfer it into the slow cooker with the meatballs and sauce. Stir gently to combine everything evenly, allowing the pasta to soak up some sauce.
- Serve: Dish out the spaghetti and meatballs onto plates or bowls. Optionally, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top to enhance flavor.
- Garnish and enjoy: Add fresh basil or parsley if desired for an extra layer of freshness and color.
Notes
- Why is there sugar in this?: Store-bought spaghetti sauces often contain sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavor. Since this sauce is homemade from plain tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, a small amount of sugar is added to avoid a flat, overly acidic taste.
- How to Store: Store leftovers in airtight containers. For best results when freezing, keep the sauce and spaghetti separate to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: slow cooker spaghetti, meatballs, Italian recipe, easy dinner, slow cooker meals, comfort food, pasta recipe, tomato sauce, homemade spaghetti sauce