Name: Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

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Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, where the savory aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills your home, teasing your taste buds with promises of deliciousness. Imagine the perfect marriage of tender meatballs nestled in a rich sauce, all while you kick back, relax, and let your trusty crockpot do the heavy lifting. Seriously, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Now picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, the kids are bickering over who gets to pick the movie for family night, and you’re stuck in the kitchen. But wait! Your crockpot has your back. You throw in the ingredients for this Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe, and just like that, you’ve transformed chaos into culinary magic. The anticipation builds as the hours pass, and by dinner time, everyone is gathered around the table, forks in hand and eyes wide with excitement.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

This incredible Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs:

Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 beef for a juicy texture; leaner cuts may dry out during cooking.
Italian Breadcrumbs: These add flavor and help bind the meat mixture together—so go ahead and splurge!
Egg: One egg will help hold everything together without turning your meatballs into mush.
Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped parsley brightens up the flavor—fresh is best!
Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that adds depth to those meatballs without any chopping required.

For the Sauce:

Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Look for high-quality tomatoes; they are the star of this show.
Onion Powder: A sprinkle of this enhances sweetness without adding extra work—no chopping necessary!
Dried Oregano: This classic herb brings an authentic Italian flavor right into your kitchen.
Sugar: A pinch balances acidity from the tomatoes; trust me on this one!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs:

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—remember not to overwork it!

Step 2: Form Your Meatballs

Shape your mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs—about two tablespoons each should do. Place them aside on a plate as you prepare for saucy goodness.

Step 3: Make Your Sauce

In another bowl or directly in your crockpot (if you’re feeling wild), mix crushed tomatoes with onion powder, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Carefully place your meatballs into the sauce mixture in the crockpot. Make sure they are submerged as much as possible so they can soak up all those fantastic flavors.

Step 5: Set It & Forget It

Cover your crockpot and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. Go binge-watch that series you’ve been meaning to catch up on or take a nap—you deserve it!

Step 6: Cook Your Pasta

About twenty minutes before serving time (or whenever you’re ready), cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well.

Now here comes my favorite part: Transfer those luscious meatballs onto plates over a nest of spaghetti! Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch of decadence.

And there you have it: The perfect meal that took hardly any effort but yields maximum satisfaction! Enjoy every bite of this delicious homemade Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs—it’s sure to become a family favorite faster than you can say “pass me seconds!”

You Must Know About Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

This showstopping Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs, start by browning the meatballs in a skillet. This enhances their flavor. Then add your sauce and spaghetti to the crockpot, letting everything simmer together for a comforting, harmonious meal.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs by swapping out ground beef for turkey or adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique twist on traditional flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers of your delicious Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

This professional-quality Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends come over, and their faces light up like Christmas morning! They always rave about how it’s better than what they’ve had at restaurants—who knew my slow cooker could make me so popular?

FAQs

What is Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs is a delicious, hearty dish made in a slow cooker. This recipe combines spaghetti noodles, juicy meatballs, and flavorful marinara sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an easy one-pot dish that requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for families looking for quick dinner solutions.

How long does it take to prepare Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Preparing Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on time. After that, you can let your crockpot do the work! Cook time usually ranges from 6 to 8 hours on low heat or about 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the meatballs to become tender while the spaghetti absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.

Can I use frozen meatballs for Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen meatballs for Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs! They are a convenient option that saves you time. Simply add them directly into the crockpot with your sauce and uncooked spaghetti. Make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen meatballs may need additional time to cook through properly, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature.

What sides go well with Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs?

Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for balance. You might also enjoy steamed vegetables or roasted broccoli as healthy options. These sides complement the richness of the dish while adding color and nutrition to your meal.

Conclusion

Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs is not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. With its flavorful combination of meatballs, pasta, and marinara sauce cooked together in one pot, this recipe simplifies dinner preparation significantly. Try this delightful dish for your next family meal or gathering; it’s sure to please everyone at the table! Enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker while savoring every bite of this classic comfort food.