Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
347 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole
Description
Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole combines ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic with a flavorful tomato base using jarred marinara sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Italian seasoning, thyme, basil, oregano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar deepen the sauce’s complexity, balanced with a pinch of sugar to soften acidity. The broken dried spaghetti cooks directly in the slow cooker alongside the meat sauce, becoming tender and well-coated. Mozzarella cheese melts on top during cooking, adding a creamy texture and cheesy finish.
The casserole is made primarily in a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to meld and reduces active cooking time. The method includes browning the meat and onions first, then layering the ingredients in the crockpot. When served, it is often garnished with fresh parsley or basil and freshly grated Parmesan for brightness and added flavor.
If you need a longer cooking time, the recipe can be adjusted by cooking the meat sauce alone for several hours before adding the pasta and cheese to finish cooking on high heat. This flexibility makes it easier to fit the dish into varied schedules.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chuck 80/20 is what I use
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 5-7 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (26 oz) marinara sauce jar, favorite brand
- 1 (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes canned
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning dried
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp thyme dried
- 1/2 - 1 tsp basil dried
- 1/2 - 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- sugar pinch, to counteract the acidity of canned tomatoes
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta dried, broken into thirds
- 1-2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- parsley for garnish, fresh, minced or basil
- Parmesan Cheese for garnish, freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over MED to MED-HIGH heat with a small drizzle of oil. Add ground beef and onion and cook 5-6 minutes, until beef is cooked through, crumbling as you cook. Drain meat/onion mixture and return to skillet.
- Reduce heat to MED-LOW, add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, balsamic vinegar, thyme, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine well.
- Spoon meat mixture into lightly greased 6 quart slow cooker. Top with broken spaghetti and stir together. Top with shredded cheese, cover and cook on LOW 4 hours.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If you have limited time, cook the meat sauce in the slow cooker first without pasta for 4 to 8 hours on low, then add broken uncooked spaghetti and cheese and cook on high for 30-40 minutes until the pasta is done.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance the acidity from canned tomatoes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 347 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 347kcal | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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