Description
This Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti Recipe is a comforting and effortless meal perfect for busy days. With minimal prep time, frozen meatballs, and a classic spaghetti sauce combined with pasta, everything cooks together in a slow cooker for a rich, flavorful dish with perfectly tender noodles and savory meatballs.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Sauce and Meatballs
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce (1 jar)
- 24 ounces frozen meatballs (do not thaw)
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 package spaghetti noodles (8 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs (basil, oregano, and parsley)
Instructions
- Add Sauce: Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it evenly for an even cooking base.
- Add Meatballs: Nestle the frozen meatballs into the spaghetti sauce without thawing; they will cook thoroughly in the slow cooker.
- Add Water: Pour 3 cups of water over the meatballs and sauce to ensure enough moisture for cooking the pasta.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the water to coat the surface, which helps prevent noodles from sticking.
- Add Pasta: Submerge the spaghetti noodles completely into the water beneath the oil. Make sure they are fully covered and separated to prevent clumping.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) on top for added flavor. Dried herbs can be used as a substitute (about 1 tablespoon).
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to keep noodles separated and submerged.
- Final Absorption: Once the noodles are al dente and excess water is absorbed, optionally switch the slow cooker to HIGH for 15-20 minutes to speed up water evaporation and absorption.
- Serve: Stir everything together evenly and serve the crock pot spaghetti immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Crock Pot Spaghetti is a one-pot comfort meal that requires only 15 minutes of prep and minimal hands-on time.
- Using frozen meatballs saves time and adds convenience without impacting flavor or texture.
- Submerging the noodles under water and oil helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Stirring occasionally prevents noodles from clumping and ensures even cooking.
- You can adjust herb quantities or substitute dried herbs based on availability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 564 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1179 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg
