Crock Pot Beef Spaghetti And Meatballs

This Crock Pot Beef Spaghetti and Meatballs is a hearty and easy recipe, which uses ground beef and jarred marinara sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Spaghetti And Meatballs Ingredients

For the meatballs and sauce:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (90% lean)
• 3/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Cooking spray
• 28 ounce jar marinara sauce
• 16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounce can tomato sauce

For assembly:

• 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked in salted water according to package directions
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Spaghetti And Meatballs

1. Prep the broiler and pan: Preheat your broiler and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, egg, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add water a teaspoon at a time if needed to help the mixture come together.
3. Form and broil meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Broil until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add to slow cooker: Place the browned meatballs in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Mix in spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat with the sauce.
7. Serve and garnish: Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Can I cook the pasta in the crock pot? Yes, break the dry spaghetti in half and add it during the last 30 minutes of cook time with 3/4 cup of water or broth.
• What type of ground beef is best? Use 90% lean ground beef to keep the meatballs flavorful without too much grease.
• How to keep meatballs from falling apart: Make sure to mix the ingredients well and don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg—they help bind everything together.
• How to store leftover spaghetti and meatballs: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or together with the pasta in freezer-safe containers.

What To Serve With Spaghetti And Meatballs

Round out your meal with these easy sides:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini
• Antipasto platter with olives and cheese

How To Store Spaghetti And Meatballs

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze meatballs and sauce with or without pasta in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Beef Spaghetti And Meatballs Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 537
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 39g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 789mg
• Potassium: 1402mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 14g
• Calcium: 190mg
• Iron: 7mg

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

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes, but the flavor and texture may not be quite the same. Make sure they are fully cooked and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to prevent spaghetti from getting mushy in the crock pot?
Add cooked pasta just before serving, or if cooking in the slow cooker, monitor it closely during the last 30 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added with the sauce.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Use a high-quality jarred marinara or homemade if you prefer more control over the flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Chipotle Beef Carnitas
• Crock Pot Beef Sauerbraten Soup
• Crock Pot Jerked Beef Short Ribs