Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
When you plunge into this Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a family favorite. The rich, savory aroma fills your home, making everyone enthusiastic to gather around the table.
I love how the slow cooker does all the hard work, letting the flavors meld beautifully without me standing over the stove. The meatballs come out tender and juicy, absorbing that delicious sauce, while the spaghetti cooks to perfection.
It’s a comforting dish that reminds me of family dinners and laughter. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare! Just toss everything in, and you can go about your day.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your meal rotation.
Ingredients of Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs
When it comes to making a delicious Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs, gathering the right ingredients is key. Luckily, this recipe doesn’t require anything too fancy or hard to find. Most of these ingredients are staples you probably already have in your pantry or can easily grab from the store on your next grocery run.
So, let’s get to it and make sure you have everything you need to whip up this comforting classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/4-1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (29 ounce) can tomato puree
- 1 (29 ounce) can water
- 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (12 ounce) can water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (for browning meatballs)
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients a bit. First off, if you’re not a huge fan of ground beef, feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken. It still works great, and hey, a little variety never hurt anyone.
The spices play a huge role in bringing these meatballs to life, so don’t skip out on them. And if you can’t find Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can always make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with a bit of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder.
See? Cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Just think of it as a fun experiment in your kitchen. And trust me, your family will thank you when that delicious aroma fills the house.
How to Make Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs
Alright, let’s plunge into how to make this glorious Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs. First up, grab that trusty saucepan and pour in 2 tablespoons of oil. Heat it up over medium heat and toss in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté those until they get all soft and fragrant—think of it as the base of your flavor explosion. You know, the kind that makes your kitchen smell like an Italian grandmother just stepped in and started cooking.
While that’s happening, let’s work on the sauce. In your slow cooker, combine a 29-ounce can of tomato puree, a 29-ounce can of water (yes, the same size can—don’t overthink it), a 12-ounce can of tomato paste, and another 12-ounce can of water. When that’s all in there, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and don’t forget that 1/4 cup of diced green pepper.
Give it a little stir to mix everything together, and then just let it be. Cover it up and set that slow cooker to LOW. You’re going to be amazed at how these flavors meld together over the next few hours.
Now, let’s get to the meatballs. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground beef, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of water, 3/4 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. It’s a bit of a messy job, but that’s part of the fun, right?
Once everything is combined, roll the mixture into small meatballs—aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You don’t want them too big; we’re not making meatball boulders here. Heat up 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan and brown those meatballs on all sides. It’ll take a couple of minutes, but trust me, that golden crust is worth every second.
Once they’re browned, drain them on paper towels to get rid of the excess grease, then gently add them to your sauce in the slow cooker. Cover it up once more and let it cook on LOW for about 4 to 5 hours. The anticipation is half the fun, isn’t it? Just imagine the deliciousness awaiting you.
Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try for your Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs.
For a healthier option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can even make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms in place of meat.
If you want to kick up the flavor, add crushed red pepper or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sauce.
For a twist on the sauce, consider using marinara or pesto instead of tomato puree.
And don’t forget about the pasta! Try zucchini noodles or whole wheat spaghetti for a different texture and taste.
Each variation brings its unique charm to this classic dish!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs
After experimenting with different variations of Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside this delicious dish.
A fresh, crisp salad is always a great choice. I love tossing together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
Garlic bread is another favorite; it’s perfect for soaking up that rich sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful side.
For a touch of indulgence, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs adds a nice finishing touch.
Finally, don’t forget a glass of red wine to complement the flavors beautifully. These sides really elevate the meal and make it memorable!
Additional Tips & Notes
When making Slow Cooked Spaghetti and Meatballs, there are a few key tips that can enhance the overall experience.
First, don’t skip browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce; it adds depth of flavor.
Also, consider letting your sauce simmer longer if you have the time—the flavors only get better with patience.
I like to add a splash of red wine for an extra layer of richness, but that’s optional.
For a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving; a pinch of salt or sugar can make a big difference.
Finally, serve with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil for that perfect finish!