Perfect Crock Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs (2024)

When I was a kid, almost every Sunday afternoon was filled with the smell of spaghetti sauce and meatballs slowly simmering in the kitchen.

My dad had a KILLER spaghetti sauce, and he made great homemade meatballs, too.

But ever since I’ve been on this crock pot recipes kick, I’ve been trying to make food the “easy way,” and this Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is unbelievable!

And sometimes the easy way is AMAZING. These slow-cooker meatballs and fast homemade sauce are absolutely perfect.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I won’t make spaghetti and meatballs on the stovetop again- it’ll be crock pot spaghetti recipe from here on out!

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low- 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, eggs, mined garlic, and my easy sauce recipe
• Servings: 4-6 (depending on bowl size)
• Extras: For some, add red pepper flakes; for an extra meaty taste, add mild Italian sausage
• Tip: Consider browning the meatballs on the stove before adding them to the crock pot for a nice sear to look in juices.

Perfect Crock Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs

Crock pot spaghetti and meatballs are SO easy. Pour the sauce ingredients in the crock pot, plop the meatballs in raw, and turn it on. That’s it!

Here’s how to whip it all up! 

The Pasta Sauce

Pour the crushed tomatoes, some of the basil, black pepper, and 2 cloves of minced garlic into the crock pot and give it a stir.

The Meatballs

Now – onto the meatballs! This is the backbone of my crock pot spaghetti and meatballs- bringing th protein and savory flavor!

No need for multiple different types of meat. I just go with 80/20 ground beef.

I used gluten free panko breadcrumbs in this recipe. In my opinion, panko work best.

They seem to be more porous than regular breadcrumbs, meaning they will soak up more of the juice from the meat as it cooks – keeping that juice IN the meatball.

This results in a more moist and awesome meatball that pairs well with most pasta recipes.

Get your hands messy and gently mix it all together.

I don’t make my meatballs huge. Using about 1.1 lbs of ground beef, I ended up with 15 meatballs.

Then, just dump them in and carefully submerge them in the crushed tomatoes. Then simply turn on the crock pot.

You can do either 4 hours on high, 6 hours on medium, or 8 hours on low.

The Spaghetti

Of course, you can’t have crock pot spaghetti and meatballs without the spaghetti noodles- but no need to be stuck cooking it at the stove!

Depending on your crock pot settings, you’ll do a little math and add uncooked spaghetti noodles when there are 2 hours left for cooking. 

I sometimes break my spaghetti noodles in half to make sure it cooks throughoughly, but it’s also easier for mixing and serving later!

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Perfect Crock Pot Spaghetti And Meatballs

You will never make Spaghetti and Meatballs any other way again! Just set it forget it in the crock pot!

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 2 28 oz cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 5 cloves of garlic pressed or minced (2 for the sauce, 3 for the meatballs)
• 2 Tbsp dried basil 1 for the sauce, 1 for the meatballs
• 2 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp for the sauce, 1/4 tsp for the meatballs
• 1 egg
• 1 lb spaghetti

Instructions

• Combine crushed tomatoes, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 Tbsp of basil and 1/4 tsp of black pepper in the crock pot. Stir.
• In a bowl, combine everything else.
• Using your hands, mix the meat with the ingredients.
• Form into golf-ball sized balls.
• Add the meatballs to the slow cooker and gently submerge in the sauce.
• Cook on high for 4 hours, medium for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.
• Add spaghetti noodles when there is 2 hours of cooking time left.
• Serve with extra parmesan cheese on top, and enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions

Substituting ingredients in your crock pot spaghetti recipe allows you to customize it to fit dietary needs or simply to change things up.

Remember, cooking is as much about personal taste and creativity as it is about following a recipe to the letter. Experiment with these substitutions to find your perfect combination.

Here are some ideas:

The Meat

For a lighter version of meatballs, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for beef. This cuts down on fat without sacrificing flavor.

You’ll need to tinker with the amount of breadcrumbs you add- you don’t want to use too many and have them turn out more dry because of the leaner meats.

Also, for those busy times, go ahead and get those frozen meatballs, Mama! I’ll sometimes bake our homemade meatballs and freeze them to use whenever, but time is effort.

If you need to skip a step and save time, frozen meatballs make this recipe so easy.

If you’re looking for vegetarian options, consider using ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version. a plant-based

I have some friends who will simply add Italian seasoning or marinade tofu instead of meatballs on their spaghetti, and that could work if you put it in with about 30 minutes left to cook.

This will really cut down on the cooking time overall since the ground beef needs the most cooking.

The Sauce

Want to amp up your spaghetti sauce? You can add more spices to the Italian seasoning, meat, and veggies to get more depth of flavor.

To give your tomato sauce a bit of heat, you can add cayenne, red pepper flakes, and more to this crock pot spaghetti.

As for meat? You can get sausage to add in and give a stronger, meaty taste if that’s what you like.

For vegetable add-ins, enhance the nutritional profile and flavor of your sauce with diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

You can even saute them ahead of time and blend them before you add them to your tomato sauce to prevent chunks if you don’t like that style of sauce.

Oh, and if you don’t think the sauce is thick enough, you can always add in a tablespoon of tomato paste before serving- it doesn’t need much cooking time, I’d stir it in and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Another option is adding a bit of cream cheese to your pasta sauce, which not only thickens it but adds a creaminess that you might like!

If you think it’s too thick, you can use beef broth or chicken broth to thin it out, starting with a tablespoon at a time.

Also, just to throw it in there, you can also use jarred spaghetti sauce rather than making your own- that’s totally okay, Mama; it’ll still be delicious for you and the fam.

Pasta Alternatives

And now the pasta- one of the best food vehicles for delicious sauces, meats, veggies, and more!

When it comes to pasta, you have tons of swaps you can make:

• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Swap traditional spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spiralized Vegetables: For a low-carb version, use spiralized zucchini or squash instead of pasta.
• Pasta Shapes: If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there’s a wide range of pasta shapes that can substitute for traditional spaghetti. Try using fusilli, penne, or rigatoni for a change!

Like with the tofu above, however, you’ll need to adjust the time you add these. Smaller pasta shapes and zoodles may need less cook time so they don’t overcook and get mushy.

Cheese and Toppings

Now, onto the cheese and toppings, now that your spaghetti and meatballs are done!

I typically use parmesan in my meatballs and as a pasta topping- it’s my favorite.

If you’re dairy-free, plenty of nut- or soy-based cheeses offer a similar melty, gooey goodness.

Nutritional yeast, which is packed with B vitamins, can also add a cheese-like flavor, which has been a huge trend lately.

You can also add veggies for crunch or more taste- I love adding roasted broccoli to my bowl!

Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or arugula for a burst of flavor and color. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add a delightful crunch.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Substituting ground turkey or chicken for beef is a great way to make this dish leaner.

Just keep in mind that the cooking times may slightly vary due to the difference in fat content.

How can I prevent my meatballs from falling apart in the crock pot?

Ensuring your meatballs don’t fall apart starts with the binding agents– bread crumbs and eggs in this recipe.

Also, be gentle when forming the meatballs and avoid overmixing the meat.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before adding them to the crock pot?

While it’s not strictly necessary, browning the meatballs can add a layer of texture and flavor through caramelization.

However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and they will still be delicious.

Can I make a crock pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the meatballs.

Then, ensure that your other ingredients, such as crushed or diced tomatoes, are also gluten-free.

Then, get gluten-free spaghetti noodles to get everything squared away.

How long can I store the leftovers?

Leftover crock pot spaghetti and meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving again.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, an Instant Pot can be used like a slow cooker so you’re set to use whatever equipment you have on hand.

You’ll need to click the “Slow Cook” button and set it up at low, etc. and that’s it.

What other variations can I make with this recipe?

• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes.
• To add some extra vegetables, you can mix some diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the tomato sauce.
• Instead of serving over spaghetti noodles, try using zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the meatballs before serving.
• Change up the spices to create different flavor profiles – add in some oregano, thyme, or fennel seeds for an Italian-inspired taste.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti or try serving over cauliflower rice instead.

Final Thoughts

The crock pot method for spaghetti and meatballs transforms an already delicious family favorite into a hassle-free, even more hearty meal.

It’s an incredible solution for anyone seeking to simplify their cooking process without sacrificing taste.

This crock pot spaghetti recipe stands as a testament to the ease and efficiency of slow cooking, proving that great meals can come with minimal effort.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice cook, or simply someone looking to experiment with new recipes, this approach offers a rewarding way to enjoy homemade meals.

Remember, cooking should be about joy, sharing, and savoring flavors, and this recipe certainly ticks all those boxes.

Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide yet? I might be biased, but I think it’s pretty amazing! Check it out!

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