Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a cozy and easy dinner! Just toss meatballs, spaghetti, and sauce into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Yum!
This dish is perfect for busy days. I love coming home to a warm, hearty meal. Plus, it’s a hit with the family. Who doesn’t love spaghetti? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti works well here, but you can swap it for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles if you prefer a low-carb option. Just adjust cooking times for the different pasta types.
Meatballs: I like using frozen meatballs for convenience. If you prefer homemade, feel free to make your own using ground beef, turkey, or pork. You can also make them vegetarian with lentils or chickpeas!
Marinara Sauce: A good quality store-bought marinara is fantastic, but homemade is even better! For a lighter sauce, try using crushed tomatoes mixed with herbs. You can also make it spicy with crushed red pepper or even a dash of chili powder.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh chopped onions and minced garlic add great flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can be used. Just reduce the quantities since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Cook the Pasta Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking pasta in a crockpot can be tricky, but it’s easy when you follow these simple tips. The great thing about the crockpot is that it absorbs all the flavors from the sauce, making for a delicious dish!
- After the meatballs have cooked, break the spaghetti in half to fit. Add directly into the sauce about 30 minutes before you want to serve.
- Stir well to coat the spaghetti in sauce. This ensures even cooking and prevents clumping.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye out; overcooked pasta can turn mushy!
Enjoy your cooking — this dish really brings everyone together for a hearty meal! 🍽️
Crockpot Spaghetti And Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 ½ pounds frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or turkey)
- 4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups water or beef broth (for cooking pasta in crockpot)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for browning meatballs, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 4-5 hours of cooking in the crockpot depending on your setting. It’s a great make-ahead meal that lets you enjoy more time with your family while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Meatballs (Optional):
If you want extra flavor, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen meatballs and quickly brown them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Preparing the Sauce:
In the crockpot, combine the marinara sauce, water or beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Adding the Meatballs:
Carefully place the browned or frozen meatballs into the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to make sure all the meatballs are nicely coated in the sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours. The meatballs will heat through and become deliciously tender in the sauce.
5. Cooking the Spaghetti:
About 30 minutes before serving time, break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them directly into the crockpot. Stir them gently to ensure they are submerged in the sauce.
6. Final Cooking:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
7. Adding Cheese:
Once the pasta is ready, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.
8. Serving:
Serve your delicious Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil, along with extra Parmesan cheese on the side. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Enjoy your cozy Crockpot Spaghetti And Meatballs — it’s a perfect, hands-off meal for busy days!
Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer using fresh meatballs, just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot. You can either make them yourself or buy fresh ones from the store. Simply add them alongside the sauce and cook as directed!
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just substitute the regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, such as brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta, that cook well in the crockpot.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to the pasta to keep it from drying out!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them to the crockpot when you add the sauce. They will cook down and add lovely flavor to the dish!
