This simple and delicious pasta recipe only takes mere minutes of prep work, and only as little as two hours to cook in your slow cooker. Learning how to make this flavorful Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with jar sauce is the key to making an otherwise busy day that much more manageable. Plus, you can easily switch things up to your personal preferences in taste.
About This Recipe
When my oldest kids were super little (around 2011), I was struggling so hard to keep up with solo-parenting, the household tasks, and working…I just couldn’t do it all, so I was in desperate need of simplifying my life.
I decided that the best way to ease my burdens a bit was to find some really easy recipes to have on my dinner rotation.
When I was trying to find a yummy but simple spaghetti recipe, I just couldn’t find one that suited my needs at the time, so I began the process of developing this recipe.
I never would have guessed that it would end up being enjoyed and shared by millions of people world-wide, but here we are many years later and I have heard that it is a kitchen staple recipe for many.
Anyway, the appeal of this recipe is in that you can cook your pasta directly in the crock, and pretty much the rest is just dump and mix.
Plus, I don’t know what is different about cooking your Spaghetti in Crock Pot, but I am here to tell you that it tastes SO MUCH BETTER!
I’m guessing it is because all of the flavors get to simmer together for a longer amount of time?
At least that is my theory.
Though somehow even the noodles seem to taste better when they are cooked this way.
This is definitely my go-to recipe if I don’t have much time to prep or cook a meal, but still need the convenience of a slow cooker.
Which means that we are eating WAY less fast food at my house, and saving quite a bit of money by not eating that fast food when I make this meal.
This recipe literally takes five minutes, or less, to prep and only takes as little as two hours to cook.
Obviously you are welcome to switch things up to suit your tastes, but I wanted to share with you my basic recipe for this dish.
Though if a red sauce dish doesn’t sound like a good meal tonight, you should try my Easy Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo, or Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Pasta could be a good fit too…both recipes use hardly any dishes in the preparation process.
- To see all of my main dish recipes, go here.
- To see all of my kitchen / food related tips, go here.
Ingredient List
Before I even think about making a recipe, I like to see the ingredients all laid out so that I can see if it looks even remotely like something I would like to cook or want to eat.
It is also handy to just be able take a peek and see if there will be any allergens to worry about, so that being said, here is what is in this recipe. So that’s why I’m sharing.
Here’s what I use for this recipe:
- Hot Water
- Canned Mushrooms (pieces and stems)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Canned/Jarred Spaghetti Sauce
- Pre-cooked Ground Beef
- Italian Seasoning
- Spaghetti Noodles (whole grain noodles work too)
It’s very simple, and the use of basic kitchen staple items are one of the main benefits to making this version of this dish.
It’s also super easy to use this recipe as a base, and then tweak things however you desire to make it however you want to!
Plus, if you don’t feel like prepping some ground beef, you can easily use pre-cooked meatballs instead.
Suggested Tools
These are my favorite items to use when I slow cook in my own home. Take a peek, you may just discover your new fave too.
Hamilton Beach 9-in-1 Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with 6 quart Nonstick Crock, Sear, Saute, Steam, Rice Functions, Stainless Steel (33065)
The saute function on this model is a total game-changer...so, if you truly want to make your spaghetti in one "pot"...you should give this lovely little appliance a try. It's rated 4.5 stars on Amazon too.
Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker with Auto Warm Setting, Black Stainless Steel, Includes Cookbook (Pack of 1)
This slow cooker is ideal if you need to be out of the house while your meal is cooking.
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining
This budget-friendly slow cooker is my favorite choice to cook with when I'm going to be home while it's cooking.
HOMEST Slow Cooker Bag for Crock-Pot 6-8 Quart, Insulated Travel Carrier with Easy to Clean Lining, Carry Case with Top Zip Compartment and Accessory Pocket (Bag Only)
When those meals need to stay warm on the go, this is my insulated bag of choice!
SMARTAKE Slow Cooker Liners, Crockpot Liner 13"x 21" Crockpot Liners Disposable Crock Pot Bags, Fit 3QT to 8QT for Slow Cooker, Crockpot, Cooking Trays, Suitable for Oval & Round Pots, 30 Liners
For days that you don't feel like cleaning up the mess, make sure you have these handy.
Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Masher, Heat Resistant Meat Masher Tool for Hamburger Meat, Ground Beef, Turkey and More, Nylon Hamburger Chopper Utensil Non-scratch Utensils
Everyone needs a meat mincer, so if you don't have one yet, make sure to add it to your cart!
2 Pieces Spaghetti Spoon and Pasta Tong,Non-stick 13-Inch Silicone Spaghetti Fork and 9.8-Inch Stainless Steel Handle Spaghetti Tong Food Clip for Spaghetti Noodle
Serve up this meal with ease!
DOWAN Pasta Bowls, 65 oz Serving Bowls for Wedding, 10'' Large Salad Bowls Set of 2, Ceramic Shallow Bowl Plates, Serving Dishes for Entertaining, Microwave Dishwasher Safe
My favorite pasta bowls to serve this in.
Please Note:
I am an affiliate with Amazon.com. When you purchase through my suggested product links, the cost for you is the same but I do receive a small commission for everything in your shopping cart. Thanks so much for the support!
How To Save Money When Making It
To save the most money when making this recipe, I mostly just recommend trying to buy your items in bulk as often as possible (making sure to check that the price per ounce is actually cheaper of course).
Many stores have “case-lot” sales and if this recipe becomes a staple in your meal rotation it is a good idea to take advantage of those sales and stock up on the ingredients as much as you are able.
Also, finding a local source to buy your beef in bulk (such as buying half a cow at a time) is another great way to cut the cost when making this.
If you need a bit more guidance about buying in bulk, you should check out my guide for buying in bulk to save money, found here.
What To Serve With It
Here’s a tasty list of side dishes that would complement your slow cooked spaghetti perfectly:
- Garlic Bread – Toasted and buttery, it’s perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a fresh contrast to the hearty spaghetti.
- Steamed Broccoli – Its mild flavor and healthy profile make it an easy, nutritious side.
- Antipasto Platter – Cured meats, cheeses, olives, and peppers for those who like a bit of variety.
- Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice, cheese, and spices as a colorful and savory side dish.
- Ratatouille – A vegetable stew that brings a touch of Provence to your Italian meal.
- Baked Zucchini – Sliced and seasoned, then baked until tender-crisp.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a light and refreshing side.
- Roasted Asparagus – Simple and elegant, with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
- Sauteed Spinach – Quick to cook and rich in nutrients, with a hint of garlic.
- Bruschetta – Topped with tomato, basil, and a splash of balsamic, it’s a delightful appetizer.
Each of these sides can help turn your spaghetti dinner into a full, satisfying or even kinda fancy meal!
Pro Tips
If you really want to up your spaghetti game and make this less boring, here are some things you could try:
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses over the top before serving. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture and salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Underseason Initially: Slow cooking can intensify flavors, especially salt. Start with less seasoning than you think you need and adjust your spices toward the end of cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a nice heat, while a bit of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Add Fresh Elements: Before serving, freshen up the dish by stirring in fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even some fresh spinach. This adds color, nutrition, and vibrant flavor.
- Switch up the meat: Meatballs or even Italian Sausage would be a super tasty alternative to the plain ground beef this recipe calls for.
- Garnish: Play around with different garnishes…they not only make it look pretty, but you can sometimes find a good one that is ultra tasty.
Whatever you choose to do to make it your own, just remember to write it down in case you strike recipe gold!
Storing And Reheating
After your spaghetti has cooled down, promptly store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Properly stored, the spaghetti will remain fresh and tasty for 3 to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply dish out the amount you need and reheat it in the microwave until it’s thoroughly warmed.
However, you can even just put the whole crock, with the lid on, in the refrigerator and then pull it out and place on high when you need to reheat the whole thing.
It takes about an hour on high to do so (you may need to add a little water and stir too).
How To Pre-Cook Bulk Ground Beef
You may be wondering how I am able to prep my spaghetti in five minutes (the prep time I list in the recipe card) and that is because of a little life hack that I do with my ground beef.
I absolutely hate scrubbing pots and pans…which is the understatement of the century by the way…lol!
In order to not have to scrub anywhere nearly as many pans, and one thing that I have done to simplify my life a bit, is to buy my ground beef in bulk AND cook it in bulk to freeze so it’s ready when I need it.
I do this, not just for Spaghetti, but for any meal throughout the month that requires ground beef…so for those of you fellow meal planners out there, this tip is especially helpful for you.
What I do is buy anywhere from four to six pounds of ground beef at a time.
Put it on the stove in my fifteen inch cast iron skillet.
Mince it, brown it, and then let it cool.
Then divide it as evenly as I can into the same number of pounds of beef that I started out with.
Then add the beef to as many freezer safe containers, or quart sized freezer safe bags, and freeze.
This way, when I plan out my meals for the week, I just pull however many I need out of the freezer and put them in the fridge to defrost so they are ready to go when I need them.
It saves me so much time and dishes it is absurd!
FAQ’s
For this particular recipe I prefer to use a 7 or 8 quart slow cooker so there is plenty of room to stir.
I don’t recommend using anything smaller than a 5 or 6 quart slow cooker though, just because you are going to need that head space (room) available so that it’s not a sloppy, overfilled, mess when you are trying to mix it.
I do recommend freezing this meal…it will turn into a funky mushy mess, so do so at your own risk.
*Make sure to email any additional questions and I will add them, and the answers, here.
How To Make It (recipe card found here with photo tutorial)
Easy Crockpot Spaghetti Recipe (Video)
This easy spaghetti recipe takes only a few minutes of prep, and only takes as little as two hours to cook. Learning how to make this flavorful dish is a busy day game-changer.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Cups (473 ml) Hot Water
- 1 (24 oz or 680 g) Jar Spaghetti Sauce
- 1 (8 oz or 230 g) Can Mushrooms Pieces & Stems (drained)
- 1 Pound (454 g) Browned Hamburger Meat
- 2 Tablespoons (5 g) Italian Seasoning
- 1 (16 to 17 oz or 453 g) Package Spaghetti Noodles
- Optional Garnish (parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes, or any you desire)
Instructions
-
Using the olive oil, to grease your crock insert along the bottom and up the sides several inches. -
Add all the ingredients to the crock, except the noodles. 
Mix well. -
Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on High heat and cook for one hour. 
Remove the lid, and stir well. Break spaghetti noodles in half (they cook more evenly that way...any Italians out there please don't hate me for suggesting it...lol), add them to Crock, and try to cover them with the sauce mixture (by pushing them down). Cover and let cook 1 hour or so, stirring occasionally (stir every 15-20 minutes, replacing the lid after each time, for the full hour). -
Stir well and dish out to serve. Garnish as desired.
Notes
- Depending on what brand of noodles you use, more water is sometimes needed. If you find your noodles need more water, add up to 2 (473 ml) or so Cups HOT(so you don't break your Crock) water between stirring (I do this in ½ cup (118 ml) increments and just see how much is needed).
- If it's too runny, leave the lid off for a while and stir every few minutes, this will evaporate any extra liquid.
- If the pasta hasn't set up, you may need to add more water, stir, put your lid back on and check it again in 15 minutes... this is the basics to cooking pasta in a Slow Cooker.*
- You can use any type of pasta that you want for this recipe, just be mindful that water amounts and cook time will vary.
- As of 10/22/2024 I have added metric amounts for the ingredients in this recipe, if you find a discrepancy in how they're listed please email me so I can fix it. Thanks!
Recommended Products
Please note that I am an affiliate with Amazon.com. When you purchase through my suggested product links, the cost for you is the same but I do receive a small commission for everything in your shopping cart. Thanks so much for the support!
-
HOMEST Slow Cooker Bag for Crock-Pot 6-8 Quart, Insulated Travel Carrier with Easy to Clean Lining, Carry Case with Top Zip Compartment and Accessory Pocket
-
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slower Cooker, Food Warmer, Charcoal (SCV700-KC) -
Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black -
Farberware 5211438 Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Safe for Non-Stick Cookware, 10-Inch, Black -
Barilla Spaghetti Pasta, 16 oz. Box (Pack of 8) - Non-GMO Pasta Made with Durum Wheat Semolina - Kosher Certified Pasta -
McCormick Italian Seasoning, 6.25 oz -
Prego Hidden Super Veggies Traditional Pasta Sauce, 24 Oz Jar (Case of 6) -
Pompeian Smooth Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, Mild and Delicate Flavor, Perfect for Sauteing and Stir-Frying, Naturally Gluten Free, Non-Allergenic, Non-GMO, 68 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) -
Del Monte® Mushrooms Stems and Pieces 8 oz. Can, 12 Pack
You’ll know it is done when the pasta is al dente.
That is literally all that you do and you have a quick and easy, home-cooked meal to feed your family.
I usually pair this spaghetti with green beans or a green salad, but do it however you like, I did make lots of other suggestions on what to serve it with so go here in case you missed it!
I like to salt and pepper to taste, or sometimes even add cream cheese to this Spaghetti.
I always used to wondered why my parents would mix the sauce into the noodles and it wasn’t until I was a parent too, trying to stretch the meal, that I found that it makes the meal stretch WAY more and saves a bunch of money.
I particularly like it because it is simple comfort food that is made with less than thirty minutes total effort.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and supporting my endeavors to make people’s lives a little easier/better/more affordable.
If you liked this post, or found it helpful in any way, please make sure to share it with your family, friends, and co-workers via social media.
Or you could even send them the direct link via email. Whichever way you choose to spread the love, I super appreciate it! ~Sarah
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Check Out My Other Content
- To see all of my kitchen / food related tips, go here.
- To see all of my main dish recipes, go here.
Otherwise, here are direct links to several of my other food related posts that you’re also going to love:
Other slow cooker related articles
Other Good Resources
Maybe you don’t like my version of this recipe, and that’s totally ok, we all have different taste…if that’s the case, here are some other good reputable resources that you could try instead:
- https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/crock-pot-spaghetti/
- https://www.thechunkychef.com/easy-crockpot-spaghetti-casserole/
- https://www.thecookierookie.com/crock-pot-spaghetti-casserole/
*Reposts: This recipe article was originally posted to this website on 05/21/2015, but it was in great need of a refresh (aka complete overhaul) so it now is more user friendly/shareable, has better photography, and a free printable recipe card.
**Please note that I do try my hardest to provide factual, but easy to understand, information about each topic. If you notice a discrepancy in my methods, facts, or see something that you deem “misinformation/incorrect” please make sure to notify me about it. I would prefer that you send me an email with a link to a more reputable resource on that subject, so that I can correct it as soon as possible. Thanks so much for helping this site become the best that it can be!