Crock Pot Spaghetti- The Slow Roasted Italian

Name: Crockpot Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 195 min
Ingredients: 32 ounces spaghetti sauce (1 jar); 24 ounces frozen meatballs (do not thaw); 3 cups water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 package of spaghetti noodles - 8 oz.; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs (basil, oregano, and parsley)

Easy crock pot spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food – it basically cooks itself! Prep everything in 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest.

Crock Pot Spaghetti

Tender noodles coated in savory tomato sauce and loaded with tasty meatballs will have everyone asking for seconds!

Crockpot spaghetti and meatballs is a super simple, low-effort dinner that will satisfy any carb craving you may have.

If you have leftover pasta, you can always whip up some of my creamy cacio e pepe or this delectable carbonara.

Two more effortless, yet tasty, meals to add to your easy dinner arsenal!

I also have dozens of one pot and crockpot recipes that are fabulous for busy weeknights and jam-packed weekends.

slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs ingredients

Easy Crockpot Spaghetti – Tips and Tricks

Frozen meatball substitution: You can, of course, always use homemade! Just be sure to cook them partially before you add them to your slow cooker.
Prefer dried herbs? Just sprinkle in about 1 tablespoon of each instead of chopping up fresh.
Simple sauce tip: Use your favorite homemade or store bought pasta sauce. Or, toss in garlic, sauteed onion, and fresh tomatoes!
Give it an occasional stir. This ensures that the noodles are separated under the liquid and don’t cook in one clump.
Speed things up! This slow cooker spaghetti is done once the noodles are al dente and all the water has been absorbed.

Turn the temperature setting to high for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
Feeding a crowd? This crock pot spaghetti recipe calls for half of a standard box of noodles.

For more noodles, add additional sauce and water to ensure that it stays under the liquid and has room to cook.

Serving Suggestions

While this crockpot spaghetti and meatballs is absolutely delicious on its own, a side of warm garlic bread or knots is never a bad idea!

If you’re looking to incorporate some greens, a side salad or some garlic broccoli are two perfect ways to round out your plate.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti And Meatballs Storage And Reheating

Store your leftover crock pot spaghetti in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should be good for 3 to 4 days!

To reheat, just plate up a serving and pop it in the microwave until it is warmed through.

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

Can I put uncooked spaghetti in a slow cooker?

Yes! You do not need to boil your noodles before placing them into your slow cooker. Just make sure they are submerged in your liquid mixture — they’ll absorb all of it and be cooked to perfection.

Do I need to brown my meatballs beforehand?

If you are using frozen, then no! In fact, this easy spaghetti in a crock pot recipe doesn’t even call for them to be thawed. Simply nestle them into the sauce, and they’ll come out great.

What size crock pot do you need?

This spaghetti in a crock pot recipe can easily be cooked in a 6 quart or larger.

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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close up of crock pot spaghetti on a plate

Other Easy Crockpot Recipes

ranch pork chops — **Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops**

Beef Stroganoff In Crockpot — **Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff**

overhead: bowl of bisquick dumplings with shredded chicken and gravy — **Crockpot Chicken and Bisquick Dumplings**

meatball tortellini soup in crockpot — **Crockpot Tortellini Soup**

Crockpot Spaghetti

Donna Elick

Easy crock pot spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food – it basically cooks itself! Prep everything in 15 minutes and the slow cooker does the rest.

5 stars from 1 review

Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 3 hrs

Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Servings

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 32 ounces spaghetti sauce, 1 jar
▢ 24 ounces frozen meatballs, do not thaw
▢ 3 cups water
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 1/2 package of spaghetti noodles – 8 oz.
▢ 2 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs, basil, oregano, and parsley

Instructions

Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly.
Nestle the meatballs down into the spaghetti sauce. They do not need to be thawed.
Pour 3 cups of water over the meatballs and sauce.
Drizzle olive oil over the water so that it coats the surface.
Submerge the spaghetti noodles into the water – you want them to go through the oil on top of the liquid to help coat them and prevent them from sticking to each other. Be sure that the noodles are completely submerged under the liquid.
Sprinkle fresh herbs (you can use dried herbs if desired – about 1 tablespoon) over the contents.
Cover with a lid and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure the noodles are separated and under the liquid.
Spaghetti is done when the noodles are al dente and the excess water has been absorbed. You may turn the slow cooker to the high setting for 15-20 minutes to speed up the absorption and evaporation of the water.
Stir everything together and serve immediately.

Donna’s Notes

Please note the recipe calls for 1/2 of a standard box of spaghetti noodles. You want to be sure the pasta stays under the water and has room to cook without sticking in a big clump. Add additional sauce and water for more noodles.

You can use homemade meatballs as well. Partially cook formed meatballs and add to the slow cooker.

Add garlic, onion (saute onion before adding to slow cooker), fresh tomatoes, or use your own favorite homemade pasta sauce – this recipe is intended for easy, simple prep.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I wouldn’t recommend freezing previously frozen meatballs.

Nutrition

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

crock pot spaghetti with meatball on fork

Originally published December 2021, updated and republished January 2023

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Crock Pot Spaghetti

Crock Pot Spaghetti