When it comes to comfort food, what's more classic than spaghetti and meatballs? This hearty and flavorful dish is satisfying and easy on the wallet. Our slow-cooker version makes it even easier, simmering the meatballs and sauce together until they're fall-apart tender. You can also make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them, then just pop them in the slow cooker with the sauce when you're ready to cook. We've also included a recipe for a simple spaghetti squash version, for those who are looking for a low-carb option. And for those who love their meatballs extra cheesy, we've got a recipe for cheesy meatballs that are sure to be a hit. No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy this classic dish.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Using a mixture of uncased sausage and ground beef is the trick to achieving tender, flavorful meatballs without a lot of work or extra ingredients. These three-inch meatballs are oversize, so they can stay moist and tender after cooking for an extended period. This way, they also fit in the slow cooker in one layer, which helps them cook evenly. Choose any kind of turkey sausage you like best; sweet or hot Italian are both great choices. (Pork will work too, but will make the sauce a little oily.) Fear not, the spaghetti is cooked separately, so you can serve these meatballs over any long noodle for a traditional take, or spoon them over polenta or tuck them into hero rolls.
Provided by Sarah DiGregorio
Categories dinner, meat, pastas, main course
Time 2h
Yield 5 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, whisk together the tomato paste and red wine. In a bowl, stir together the panko, parsley, Parmesan, grated onion, eggs, milk, garlic, vinegar and red-pepper flakes. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
- Add the sausage and ground beef to the panko mixture, and gently mix using your hands just until all the ingredients are uniformly combined. (Don't overmix, or you'll end up with tough meatballs.) Form the mixture into 7 (3-inch) gently packed meatballs, and place them in the slow cooker. (They should fit snugly in one layer.) Pour the crushed tomatoes all over the top of the meatballs, then add the basil sprigs to the slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low for 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions in boiling, salted water and drain. Increase the slow cooker heat to high. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meatballs to a bowl. Discard the basil sprigs from the sauce. If there is more oil on the surface of the sauce than you'd like, use a ladle to skim it off and discard it. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the meatballs back to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Serve the spaghetti and meatballs with more grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves for topping.
SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Homemade Parmesan-flavored meatballs and tomato sauce are cooked in the slow cooker and served over hot spaghetti for an easy and delicious dinner.
Provided by ADoyon86
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Spaghetti Recipes
Time 4h15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Mix together crushed tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and bay leaf for the sauce in a slow cooker.
- Place ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, and pepper for the meatballs in a large bowl. Mix gently, but thoroughly, with your hands until well combined. Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Drop into sauce in the slow cooker, stir, and cover.
- Cook on Low until meatballs are cooked through, 4 to 8 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
- Just before meatballs and sauce are finished cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and serve with sauce and meatballs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 649.5 calories, Carbohydrate 72.3 g, Cholesterol 120 mg, Fat 23.6 g, Fiber 6.8 g, Protein 37.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 664.3 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
SLOW-COOKER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
I've been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. -Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 5h50m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a large bowl, mix bread crumbs, cheese, pepper and salt; stir in eggs. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. balls. In a large skillet, brown meatballs in batches over medium heat; drain., Place the first 5 sauce ingredients in a 6-qt. slow cooker; stir in garlic and seasonings. Add meatballs, stirring gently to coat. Cook, covered, on low 5-6 hours, until meatballs are cooked through., Remove bay leaves. Serve with spaghetti.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 79mg cholesterol, Sodium 1116mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 20g protein.
SLOW-COOKER SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
Steps:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 1/2 hours, until the onion is tender and the meatballs are hot.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente. (You have to taste the pasta to make sure it is properly cooked.)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 363 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Cholesterol 53 mg, Fiber 6 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 1214 mg, Sugar 13 g, Fat 20 g, ServingSize 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
Make and share this Slow Cooker Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Foxxyladyone
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 5h10m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Spray inside of 1 1/2 or 2-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine sauce and water in slow cooker, then drop in meatballs. Cook on low 5-7 hours. Break spaghetti into fourths and stir into meatball and sauce mixture. Cook on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad - yum! :).
- Number of Servings: 2.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.4, Fat 3, SaturatedFat 0.6, Cholesterol 1.3, Sodium 270.5, Carbohydrate 47.3, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 5.7, Protein 12.5
Tips:
- For the meatballs: Use a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal for a flavorful and juicy meatball. Season the meatballs generously with garlic, onion, and parsley, and add an egg and some bread crumbs to help bind them together.
- For the sauce: Use a combination of canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Season the sauce with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the dish: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs over cooked spaghetti noodles. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a side of crusty bread.
Conclusion:
This slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love. The meatballs are tender and juicy, the sauce is flavorful and rich, and the spaghetti is cooked to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a classic Italian dish that is sure to impress.
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