Description
This Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce is a rich, flavorful sauce simmered low and slow in a crockpot, featuring a perfect blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Ideal for busy days, this recipe yields a hearty sauce perfect for serving over pasta or using in baked Italian dishes like lasagna or ziti.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casing removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or red wine (optional, for desired consistency)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from being too greasy.
- Add Meat and Aromatics to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat into your crockpot. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic on top to build layers of flavor.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and, if desired, water or red wine to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly so all the ingredients blend well.
- Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Just before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve this rich spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta or use it as a hearty base for dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Using red wine adds depth but water can be substituted for a milder flavor.
- Drain the cooked meat well to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Leftover sauce freezes well for up to 3 months.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meats and add mushrooms or lentils instead.
- Adjust cooking times based on your crockpot model and temperature preferences.
