There is something truly comforting about a homemade pasta dish that simmers gently, melding all those rich flavors into one irresistible meal. This Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a perfect example of that cozy magic, bringing together hearty ground meats, zesty tomato sauce, and tender pasta in one easy, hands-off slow cooker delight. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this casserole promises layers of flavor and a satisfying texture that will make it a regular go-to on your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the savory ground beef and Italian sausage to the herbs and spices, every component plays its part in building a deep, comforting flavor profile and pleasing mouthfeel.
- Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Helps brown the meat and vegetables with a subtle fruity note.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides rich, meaty flavor and a hearty texture.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds spicy, aromatic complexity that lifts the dish.
- Diced onion (1 cup): Offers a sweet and savory undertone when cooked down.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Brings that signature aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): The tomato base that unites all the flavors with its balanced acidity.
- Water (1 cup): Ensures perfect sauce consistency so noodles soften beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes (14 ounces): Adds texture and freshness to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs that rounds out and brightens the dish.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors for perfect seasoning.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and earthiness.
- Pinch of granulated sugar: Balances tomato acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Spaghetti noodles (8 ounces, broken into thirds): The pasta base that soaks up sauce and flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella (1 ½ cups): Melts into gooey, bubbly goodness topping the casserole.
How to Make Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion
Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook everything for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and crumbling the meat with a spoon until it’s fully cooked and the onions have softened. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from feeling overly greasy but leave a bit behind for flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Simmer the Sauce
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for a minute until it fills your kitchen with that lovely, mouth-watering aroma. Now it’s time to pour in the marinara sauce and add water to the jar, swirling it around to capture every bit of sauce, then pour that into the skillet as well. Toss in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Transfer Sauce to Slow Cooker Crock
Pour your rich, savory sauce mixture into the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker. This slow, gentle heat is what will deepen the flavors and make the pasta perfectly tender in the next steps.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti and Mix
Scatter the broken spaghetti noodles over the sauce and carefully stir them in. This ensures every piece gets coated with sauce and cooks evenly during the slow cooking.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Cook
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow melt of cheese and simmer of pasta and sauce creates a bubbling, cheesy, and deeply satisfying casserole.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
When the clock says your dinner is ready, uncover the crock pot and get ready to serve! Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or basil not only adds an extra burst of flavor but also a lovely pop of color that makes the dish irresistible. Don’t forget a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A slice of crusty garlic bread is also a perfect choice for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, simply serve it straight from the crock pot with a large spoon. But for guests or a special occasion, try individual ramekins for personal servings, or garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to elevate the presentation and impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe by letting it cool completely, then packing it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic meal prep option or a comforting dinner for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for spaghetti broken into thirds, penne, rigatoni, or ziti can work wonderfully to hold onto the sauce just as well and could add a fun twist.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Browning the ground beef and sausage adds depth of flavor and prevents excess grease from making the casserole oily. It also helps the meat develop a better texture, so it’s worth the extra step.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the meat with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep that satisfying texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have a 6-quart slow cooker?
Smaller slow cookers may be a tight fit for this recipe, but you can reduce ingredient amounts proportionally or cook in batches. Just keep the cooking time the same and check for doneness accordingly.
Can I add extra cheese inside the casserole?
Definitely! Mixing some of the mozzarella or even ricotta cheese into the sauce before adding the spaghetti can create a creamier texture and more cheesy goodness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is like creating a warm hug in a dish that your whole family will adore. It’s comforting, easy, and filled with such incredible flavors that come together thanks to slow cooking love. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that’s perfect for busy days yet still feels like a special treat!
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Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy slow-cooker meal that combines hearty ground beef and Italian sausage with a rich marinara sauce, tender spaghetti, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers a deliciously cheesy pasta casserole cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce Mixture
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 standard jar)
- 1 cup water
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes (1 standard can)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch granulated sugar
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into thirds
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spoon until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the skillet.
- Add Garlic and Sauce Ingredients: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet. Rinse the jar with 1 cup of water and add this to the skillet as well. Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the meat and sauce mixture into the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker, spreading evenly.
- Add Spaghetti: Top the sauce mixture with broken spaghetti noodles. Stir gently to combine the noodles evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add Cheese and Cook: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the spaghetti to cook and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, serve hot garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti noodles into thirds helps them cook fully and mix better in the casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, but the cooking time remains the same.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the sauce mixture when cooking.
- This dish can be prepared the night before; simply refrigerate before cooking in the slow cooker.
- If you prefer, sprinkle some extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top before serving for cheesier results.
