Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is one of the best multi-use pasta sauce recipes out there. The low and slow cook in the crockpot develops the flavors and makes it the perfect sauce for tons of pasta recipes.
With Italian sausage, ground beef, three types of tomato, Parmesan cheese, and Italian spices, this isn’t one of those plain Jane spaghetti sauce recipes. It’s thick, rich, and classically Italian. It’s a snap to add pasta and make this a hearty crockpot pasta meal! You’re going to love this sauce!
Grab your crockpot, and let’s get this crockpot spaghetti sauce cooking!
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What I Love About Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Besides how absolutely delicious this crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe tastes, there’s a long list of other things I love about it!
- Double meat=Double flavor
- Crockpot convenience
- Rich tomato taste with 3 forms of tomato
- Can be used anywhere it calls for marinara sauce
Recipe Notes
One of the best things about this crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe is how easy it is to make! Honestly, there’s not complicated about it! Here’s a couple of extra tips to make it even easier.
Browning the meat: Depending on the fat ratio in your meat, you might need to drain the pan after you cook the ground beef. The Italian sausage typically has a fair amount of fat as well. Be sure to save just a little bit of it to cook the aromatics in. It boosts their flavor!
Ingredients Notes
Red Wine: If you prefer not to cook with alcohol or don’t have any on hand, you can use a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar and a cup of beef, chicken, or vegetable stock. This will bring the acid and flavor that the wine would have contributed.
Don’t skip the sugar: Even if you’re watching calories, you’ll need the sugar to round out the flavors. I like brown sugar in this recipe because it brings a molasses-like sweetness that compliments the sauce better than white granulated sugar.
Spaghetti Sauce Storing Tips
My biggest tip when storing spaghetti sauce is to use a glass container. The tomato base will stain plastic and can potentially react with metal. Also, make sure it is well sealed to preserve the flavors and freshness!
Can You Freeze This?
You can absolutely freeze this crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe. Simply allow it to cool and transfer to a freezer container. According to freezer guidelines, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
Make Ahead Tips
The crockpot allows you ultimate flexibility with the fix it and forget it method. A couple of shortcuts to consider are browning the ground beef and sausage and chopping the veggies before you’re ready to assemble and cook. It will only take you a few minutes to sautee the veggies and toss everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready for it.
How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge?
In keeping with the USDA food safety guidelines, you can keep this crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Recipe Variations
I love pasta recipes because you can’t do them wrong! They’re one of the most versatile meals around. Here are some suggestions.
Can I Use This Sauce For Lasagna?
This crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe would be a fantastic lasagna sauce! If you want to leverage the convenience of the slow cooker and make fix it and forget it lasagna, check out my Crockpot lasagna. It comes together in 30 minutes and cooks all day to make something that tastes as fancy as an Italian restaurant’s lasagna bolognese!
Can I Add Macaroni?
Macaroni can do more than hold mac and cheese sauce! Just because this is a spaghetti sauce, you can always change up the type of noodles you use! They would be a great compliment for this sauce.
Of course, you can always stick with tradition and go with the time-honored tradition of macaroni with homemade mac and cheese sauce. You can even make it super easy on yourself and use my crock pot mac and cheese. It’s simple, delicious, and kid-approved!
Can I Use Alfredo Sauce Instead?
I’ve never met an alfredo sauce I didn’t like! From the creamy, cheesy decadence of Olive Garden alfredo sauce to a light alfredo sauce that is easier on my figure, I firmly believe you can never go wrong with alfredo!
Can I Add Liquor To This Recipe?
I use red wine in this crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe to bring acidity and additional flavor. White wine pasta sauce is typically creamier and not tomato-based. If you want a stronger liquor, try my vodka sauce pasta penne. The tomato cream sauce is heavenly!
What Other Crockpot Pasta Can I Make?
My slow cooker never has a chance to gather dust on the shelf. I use it constantly! From Crockpot chicken and noodles to crockpot goulash and crock pot spaghetti, I love how crockpot magic transforms a bunch ingredients into hearty, family-friendly meals!
Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- olive oil, as needed
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 level tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons brown sugar, lightly packed
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper, breaking it up into large chunks. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a crockpot.
- Brown sausage on both sides. Place on top of beef in the crockpot. Remove and discard all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet (if there isn't enough fat in the pan, add olive oil).
- Add garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, rosemary and saute until onion is translucent. Pour onion mixture over sausages in crockpot.
- Add red wine, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, parmesan, and brown sugar and turn the crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6.
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More Pasta Sauce Recipes
Just like there are dozens of types of pasta, there are countless sauces to go with them. Check out these delicious sauce options!
- Avocado Pasta – the avocado brings a bright creamy flavor to this decadent sauce
- White Sauce For Pasta – A kissing cousin to alfredo and every bit as indulgent
- Pesto Sauce – basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts create pesto perfection
- Spaghetti Meat Sauce – traditional, flavorful, easy peasy sauce
- Cream Sauce For Pasta – rich and creamy sauce to coat every noodle
Conclusion
This crockpot spaghetti sauce recipe has all the right components of a tasty sauce. The low and slow cook in the crockpot allows plenty of time for the flavors to develop. I’ve never had it fail to impress, and I know you’re gonna love it!
Leave a comment below and let me know how it goes!
Made this recipe for a family get together/birthday party. It was delicious‼️ I did double the oregano, rosemary, and garlic. I did a combo of Italian sweet and hot sausage to accommodate different taste preferences. It was such a hit that everyone asked me to make it for Christmas Eve dinner. Took more than 15 minutes prep time, however. ?
Hi, Robert! Thank you for your feedback. I’m so happy it was a hit! 🙂