Crockpot Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs 10 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
508 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crockpot Spaghetti
Description
Crockpot Spaghetti brings together ground beef and crispy bacon cooked first to develop depth of flavor before being slow-simmered with pasta sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Italian seasoning in a Crockpot. The broken spaghetti integrates evenly during the cooking, soaking up the robust sauce. Basil leaves added towards the end give a fresh herbal note. Mozzarella cheese melted on top creates a creamy texture contrast to the tender pasta and meat. It’s a convenient one-pot meal requiring minimal hands-on time, with layers of acidity, sweetness, and savory flavors balanced throughout.
The slow cooking process tenderizes the ingredients while allowing the spaghetti to absorb the herbed sauce fully. The texture is tender but still firm enough to hold its shape. The bacon adds a smoky touch that complements the meat sauce.
This dish serves well as a filling dinner and pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be reheated gently to maintain the cheese’s creamy melt. Adjusting herbs or adding a bit of heat with chili flakes can personalize the flavor.
Breaking the spaghetti into thirds helps it fit and cook evenly in the Crockpot. Cooking times may vary by device, so checking at around 4 hours is recommended. Variations include swapping ground beef for chicken or altering the seasoning blend to personal preference.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef 450g
- 6 lices Bacon cut up, lean
- 2 pasta sauce 1.5l pasta sauce, 28oz (1.5l
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1.5 -2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 10 basil leaves roughly torn
- 8 oz spaghetti 225g, cut into thirds
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, 125g
Instructions
- Heat oil in a frying pan / skillet and add beef and bacon and cook until beef is browned. Drain any extra liquid from the meat and add it to the lightly oiled Crockpot insert.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients up to the spaghetti into your Crockpot and mix.
- Top with the mozzarella and cover and cook on low for 4-5 hrs. (Check after 4 hrs and if needs extra time then cook for a little longer.)
Notes
- Break dry spaghetti into thirds to fit the crockpot and ensure even cooking.
- Slow cooker temperatures vary; start checking doneness at 4 hours and extend cooking if needed.
- Ground chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version while maintaining flavor.
- Herbs can be varied; Tuscan or Greek seasoning provide interesting alternatives.
- Add chili flakes, chipotle, or jalapenos for a spicy kick if desired.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomato, or sides such as rice and beans for a fuller meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 508 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 508kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 319mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 359mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 125IU | 3% |
| Calcium | 127mg | 13% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.