Are you tired of bland, boring pasta sauces that lack depth and flavor? Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic scents of slow-cooked Italian goodness, where tender ground beef melds perfectly with robust tomatoes and fragrant herbs. This isn't just a sauce - it's a culinary experience that will elevate your weeknight meals from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef by breaking it into small crumbles in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and has developed a light brown color, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef using a colander to remove unnecessary grease and ensure a healthier sauce.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Sauté the onions and garlic in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic into the crockpot.
- Add the can of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of herbs and spices.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop flavors for 7-8 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Prepare your preferred pasta according to package instructions. When pasta is al dente, drain and serve the spaghetti sauce over the hot pasta.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- For the most flavorful sauce, brown your ground beef thoroughly before adding to the crockpot. This extra step caramelizes the meat and adds incredible depth to your sauce.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat from the ground beef - this ensures a lighter, healthier sauce without compromising on taste.
- Low and slow is the key! Cooking the sauce for 7-8 hours allows the flavors to develop and intensify, creating a truly memorable dish.
- Feel free to customize the herbs. While oregano and basil are classic, you can experiment with adding a pinch of rosemary or thyme for a unique twist.
- If the sauce seems too thick during cooking, you can add a splash of beef broth or water. If it's too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to help it reduce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for your sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
