Description
This Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce recipe offers a rich, savory, and slow-cooked tomato sauce infused with Italian sausage, ground beef, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for busy days, it simmers gently in a crockpot for hours, developing deep flavors that pair wonderfully with your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup water or red wine (optional, for desired consistency)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot along with the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Season the Sauce: Pour in the water or red wine if using, then add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water or wine. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
- Serve: Spoon the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your pasta of choice, and enjoy a comforting Italian classic meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Adding red wine adds depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- The sugar balances acidity, but can be skipped for a more natural tomato flavor.
- Leftover sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes.
