Crock Pot Spaghetti

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.

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

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

If you have left over 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.

Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti – Tips and Tricks

• Frozen meatball substitution: You can of course always use homemade! Just be sure to partially cook them before you add them into 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 dish 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 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 one pot 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.

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 and 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 crock pot spaghetti recipe doesn’t even call for them to be thawed. Simply nestle them into the sauce and they’ll come out great.

How do I store slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs?

Store your leftovers into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They 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.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other Easy Crockpot Recipes

Crock Pot 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.

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Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 3 hrs

Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Method Slow Cooker

Servings 4

Equipment

• slow cooker
• heat resistant spoon/spatula
• quality knives
• cutting board

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 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

Serving: 1 | Calories: 564cal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 1179mg | Sugar: 8g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 4mg

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!

Originally published December 2021

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