Transform your pasta nights with this rich and flavorful Spaghetti Sauce Crock Pot recipe, the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days. Crafted with a hearty combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, this sauce gets a robust boost from aromatic garlic, onions, and a medley of Italian herbs like oregano and basil. Slow-cooked for hours in a crock pot, it yields a thick, savory sauce infused with the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, subtle sweetness from a touch of sugar, and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes. With just 20 minutes of prep, this versatile sauce effortlessly elevates your pasta game, serving eight generous portions that can be paired with spaghetti, lasagna, or even zoodles. Don't forget to top it off with fresh parsley for a finishing touch that's as beautiful as it is delicious! Keep this crowd-pleaser in your back pocket for stress-free family dinners or impressive entertaining.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Transfer the meat mixture to your crock pot.
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and water to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and bay leaves. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
Taste the sauce during the last hour of cooking and adjust seasoning if necessary (e.g., add more salt or sugar to taste).
Once the sauce is done cooking, remove the bay leaves and discard them.
Serve the spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Calories |
2301 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.2 g | 199% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.9 g | 274% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 503 mg | 168% | |
| Sodium | 6010 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.5 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.0 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.1 g | ||
| Protein | 137.3 g | 275% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 449 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 21.2 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 4622 mg | 98% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.