Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Crockpot Recipe

BySoha

A truly great spaghetti sauce isn’t rushed,it’s slow-cooked, layered, and deeply flavorful. This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Crockpot Recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a rich, aromatic sauce with almost no effort. It simmers gently for hours, allowing tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics to meld into an Italian-style sauce worthy of any family dinner. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or preparing make-ahead meals, this slow cooker version guarantees consistent perfection every time.

Ingredients List

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef (optional)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ cup grated carrot (for natural sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Brown the Meat (If Using)

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.

Transfer to Crockpot

Add the cooked mixture into the crockpot along with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, sugar, herbs, salt, pepper, carrot, and bay leaf.

Slow Cook for Depth of Flavor

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.

Final Touch

Remove bay leaf. Stir in balsamic vinegar for a balanced, glossy finish. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Cook Time

Total: 6–8 hours
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 0 minutes

Servings

Makes approximately 6–8 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 170
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 8g

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store up to 5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Suggestions

  • Use Italian sausage instead of beef for a richer, spicier sauce.
  • Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra depth.
  • For a smoother sauce, blend half before adding back to the crockpot.
  • Serve with spaghetti, lasagna, stuffed shells, or even over grilled chicken.

Seasonal Relevance

This slow cooker spaghetti sauce is ideal for cozy fall and winter meals, but its convenience and versatility make it suitable year-round,especially for busy families or batch cooking.

Conclusion

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Crockpot Recipe delivers restaurant-level depth with minimal hands-on time. The slow simmer develops a warmth and richness that elevates even the simplest pasta dishes. With a few wholesome ingredients and your crockpot doing the hard work, you’ll have a sauce that becomes a household favorite for years.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Crockpot
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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Crockpot

Recipe by Soha
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

170

kcal
Total time

6

hours 

10

minutes

This rich and hearty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Crockpot Recipe delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor with minimal effort. Tomatoes, herbs, aromatics, and optional ground beef blend into a velvety, comforting sauce perfect for pasta, casseroles, and meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 lb ground beef (optional)

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

  • 1 cup beef broth or water

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

  • 1 bay leaf

  • ¼ cup grated carrot

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a pan; sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  • Brown the ground beef (if using) and drain excess fat.
  • Transfer everything to the crockpot.
  • Add tomatoes, sauce, paste, broth, sugar, herbs, spices, carrot, and bay leaf.
  • Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  • Remove bay leaf, stir in balsamic vinegar, adjust seasoning, and serve.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, blend half before serving.
  • Replace beef with Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this spaghetti sauce completely vegan?
Yes,simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor remains rich and delicious.

Q2: How do I thicken the sauce if it becomes too thin?
Keep the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking or stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.

Q3: Can I double the recipe in the crockpot?
Yes, as long as your crockpot is large enough. Cooking time remains the same,just don’t fill beyond two-thirds capacity.

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