Crock Pot Beef Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce

This Crock Pot Beef Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce is a hearty and flavorful recipe, which includes ground beef and Italian sausage. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ pound bulk Italian sausage
• 2 small onions, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon white sugar

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce

1. Brown sausage and onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and chopped onions; cook and stir until the sausage is browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Cook the ground beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef. Season with Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and marjoram. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
3. Add the tomato base and spices: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and basil.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours.
5. Add sugar before serving: Stir in white sugar 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use spicy sausage instead? Yes, spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick and deeper flavor.
• Can I cook this on High? You can cook it on High for 4 hours, but Low for 8 hours yields richer flavor.
• How to thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 15-30 minutes after cooking.
• Best meat ratio: Using both sausage and beef creates a deep, savory flavor perfect for meat lovers.
• Can I make it ahead? Yes, this sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. The flavor improves overnight.

What To Serve With Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce

This rich meat sauce pairs perfectly with many side dishes and pasta choices:

• Spaghetti or any pasta of choice
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or garden salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Parmesan or mozzarella topping

How To Store Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Meat Lovers Spaghetti Sauce Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 264
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 1025mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 19g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Total Sugars: 13g
• Protein: 15g
• Iron: 5mg
• Potassium: 811mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used for a leaner option, though the flavor will be milder.

How to make it less salty?
Use low-sodium tomato products and season to taste.

Why is sugar added to spaghetti sauce?
Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavors.

Can I add vegetables to this sauce?
Absolutely, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.

Is this sauce good for meal prep?
Yes, it freezes and reheats well, making it ideal for batch cooking.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Vegetable Soup
• Crock Pot Beef Coney Sauce
• Crock Pot Beef Oxtail Stew