Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a super easy and comforting dish! You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer all day. Smells amazing while you wait!
Besides being tasty, this dish is perfect for busy days. I love coming home to a warm, hearty meal that’s ready to eat. And who doesn’t love spaghetti? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 lean ground beef. It gives a juicy flavor to the meatballs. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too, but might yield a different texture.
Breadcrumbs: I usually go for plain breadcrumbs. If you want some extra flavor, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs can add a nice touch. You could also use crushed crackers or oats in a pinch!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, or you can skip it if you’re dairy-free.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sauce is delightful! A marinara with added veggies can boost the nutrition too.
Diced Tomatoes: These are optional but add a nice texture. If you don’t have them, you can omit them, or use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
How Do I Make Perfect Meatballs?
Making meatballs can seem tricky, but it’s actually quite simple! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Mix the ground beef and other ingredients gently. Over-mixing can make them tough.
- Form meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches. This size allows them to cook evenly.
- Place them gently in the sauce to avoid breaking them. They’ll soak up all that flavor while cooking!
Cooking them in the crockpot means they stay juicy and tender, so be patient and enjoy the cooking process!
Crockpot Spaghetti And Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce texture)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup water or beef broth
For the Pasta and Garnish:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti pasta
- Grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then the crockpot does its magic! It will cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. So, you can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t over-mix; just enough to combine all the ingredients!
2. Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or a plate. This makes it easy to transfer them later!
3. Make the Sauce:
In the crockpot, pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), oregano, basil, and water or beef broth. Stir it all together to combine the flavors.
4. Add the Meatballs:
Carefully add the meatballs into the sauce in a single layer if you can. This helps them cook evenly!
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
6. Cook the Spaghetti:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside.
7. Combine:
Once the spaghetti is cooked, toss it with some of the sauce from the crockpot. This way, every strand of pasta is flavorful!
8. Serve:
Plate the spaghetti on serving dishes, top with juicy meatballs, and spoon extra sauce over the top.
9. Garnish:
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top, and add fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful finish!
10. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting bowl of Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs. The aroma will have everyone rushing to the table!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen meatballs, simply add them straight to the sauce in the crockpot. You may need to extend the cooking time by about 1-2 hours to ensure they are heated through completely.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce the night before, store them separately in the fridge, and then combine them in the crockpot in the morning. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on how chilled the mixture is.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra sauce or water if needed to keep the pasta from drying out.
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Of course! Whole wheat pasta is a healthy option that holds up well. For gluten-free pasta, just be aware of cooking times as it may require less time to achieve the perfect al dente texture. Add it to the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking for best results.
