Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this jaw-dropping Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce recipe! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of slow-simmered, deeply flavorful sauce that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This isn't just another pasta sauce – it's a game-changing, flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained as a professional chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 loaf garlic bread
Instructions
- Begin by selecting a large skillet and browning the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Finely chop the onion and sauté with the ground beef until the onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your crock pot, creating the base for the sauce.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for 7-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, prepare the garlic bread. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the loaf of garlic bread diagonally, ensuring even pieces. Brush with additional butter or olive oil if desired.
- Bake garlic bread for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.
- Once sauce is complete, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot over cooked pasta with the freshly baked garlic bread on the side.
Tips
- For the most intense flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to add richness to your sauce.
- Don't rush the cooking process – the magic of this recipe is in the slow, low-temperature simmering that allows flavors to meld and develop complexity.
- If you want to elevate the sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or a parmesan rind during the slow cooking for extra depth.
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to break down any large chunks before serving.
- The garlic bread is crucial – make sure to brush it with extra butter or olive oil and watch it closely while baking to achieve that perfect golden crispness.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
