Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen while juggling family, work, and life? Imagine coming home to a perfectly prepared, flavor-packed meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. This Slow Cooker Sausage and Spaghetti Dinner is your ticket to an effortless, delicious dinner that will transform your weeknight cooking game. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone at the table asking for your culinary secret!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set them aside for later use.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook the sausage until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the cooked sausage. Stir to combine.
- Pour the can of crushed tomatoes over the sausage and onion mixture in the slow cooker. Make sure to stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- About 30 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and set it aside. After the slow cooker has finished cooking, give the sausage and tomato mixture a good stir.
- To serve, place a portion of spaghetti on each plate and ladle the sausage and tomato mixture over the top. Garnish with additional Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Sausage and Spaghetti Dinner with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Select a good-quality Italian sausage for the most robust flavor. Fresh ingredients make a huge difference!
- Brown the Sausage: Taking the extra few minutes to brown the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance the depth of flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti separately and add it just before serving to prevent mushy noodles.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or oregano to personalize the dish.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully.
- Garnish Generously: Top with fresh grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of good olive oil for an extra gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
