If you want a simple, hands-off dinner that tastes great, slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs is a perfect choice. It lets you combine sauce, meatballs, pasta, and seasonings all in one pot, saving you time and dishes.
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The best part is that you can cook everything together in the slow cooker, including the spaghetti, for an easy and flavorful meal.
You don’t need to worry about watching the stove or boiling pasta separately. Just add your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you focus on other things.
Whether you use homemade or store-bought meatballs, this recipe makes dinner both convenient and tasty for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
You’ll need a few simple ingredients and a steady hand for layering. Cooking slowly helps the flavors blend well and the meatballs turn tender. With some easy steps and helpful tips, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to serve.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- Extra Parmesan and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
Combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined, then roll into small meatballs (about 1 to 1½ inches).
Place the meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes over the top, stirring gently to coat the meatballs.
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Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through.
About 30 minutes before serving, break the spaghetti noodles in half and stir them into the sauce, adding the water or broth. Make sure the noodles are submerged as much as possible. Cover again and cook on High for another 25–30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
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Slow Cooking Tips and Tricks
Use low heat to keep the sauce from drying out and to tenderize the meatballs perfectly. Avoid lifting the lid too often because that lets heat escape and slows cooking.
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If you use frozen meatballs, they’ll cook nicely without thawing first. For fresh meatballs, brown them slightly in a pan before adding to the cooker to lock in flavor.
Adjust water or broth amounts if your slow cooker runs hot or if the sauce looks thick before serving. Add more liquid in small amounts as needed.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve your spaghetti and meatballs topped with fresh basil leaves and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs well.
For a little extra flavor, drizzle olive oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and reheat quickly.
This dish works great for busy nights since it all cooks together with minimal hands-on time.
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Customizing Your Spaghetti and Meatballs
You can change ingredients and methods to fit your taste and needs. Adjust what you add to your slow cooker, how you store leftovers, and what you serve alongside your meal for a complete dinner experience.
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Variations for Diets and Preferences
If you want a lighter meal, use turkey or chicken meatballs instead of beef or pork. For a vegetarian option, try meatless balls made from beans, lentils, or mushrooms. You can also use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to avoid gluten.
Add extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms right into the sauce for more flavor and nutrition. If you want spicier food, include red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Use low-sodium sauce to reduce salt if you’re watching sodium intake.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Let your spaghetti and meatballs cool to room temperature before storing. Use airtight containers to keep leftovers fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
When reheating, microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between for even heat. You can also warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep sauce from drying out. For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Recommended Side Dishes
Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up extra sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the meal.
You can also serve steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for more fiber. If you want some extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or fresh basil on top of your spaghetti and meatballs before serving.
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