Crockpot Spaghetti And Meatballs Recipe
Spaghetti and meatballs is the kind of dish that always brings people together. It is warm, comforting, and filled with rich flavor. Making it in a crockpot adds even more depth while taking the pressure off. This slow-cooked version combines tender meatballs, perfectly simmered tomato sauce, and soft spaghetti noodles, all cooked gently together.
Letting the sauce and meatballs simmer low and slow helps the flavors build. The meat stays juicy while soaking up the aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs. Unlike stovetop versions, crockpot spaghetti and meatballs need little attention once it starts. That makes it a go-to meal for busy weekdays or slow weekend dinners.
This method also fills your home with the smell of classic Italian-American cooking. You don’t need to stand by the stove or worry about overcooking anything. Just shape the meatballs, build the sauce, and let the crockpot do the rest. By dinnertime, you’ll have a complete dish with no stress.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need, along with estimated calorie counts.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef (80% lean) | 1 pound | 1150 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | 200 |
| Grated parmesan | 1/4 cup | 110 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons | 2 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | 0 |
| Spaghetti noodles (uncooked) | 12 ounces | 1260 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28 ounces | 130 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 44 |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons | 5 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Water or broth | 2 cups | 10 |
Estimated Total Calories (entire pot): ~3216
(Serves about 6 portions)
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by making the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the mixture into round balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. You should get roughly 18 to 20 meatballs. If you prefer, you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Lightly brown the meatballs for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. This step adds flavor but does not cook them fully. Once seared, transfer them to the crockpot.
Next, prepare the sauce. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, and a little salt and pepper to the crockpot over the meatballs. Pour in the water or broth and stir gently to mix the sauce without breaking the meatballs.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, break the uncooked spaghetti in half and stir it into the sauce. Make sure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.
Cover again and cook until the noodles are tender. Stir once or twice during this final phase to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is fully cooked, give everything a gentle stir and let it rest for a few minutes with the lid off.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can switch up the protein by using ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative. For a different texture, try mixing beef and pork. Adding a small amount of ricotta or milk-soaked breadcrumbs makes the meatballs even more tender.
If you like a bit of heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh basil, oregano, or even a pinch of nutmeg can change the flavor in subtle but delicious ways. Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce if you want to sneak in vegetables.
Gluten-free spaghetti and breadcrumbs can be used without changing the cooking time. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
If you have more time, you can make the sauce from scratch using sautéed garlic, fresh tomatoes, and herbs before combining everything in the crockpot.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 of 6) contains approximately:
- Calories: 536
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
This dish is filling and satisfying, packed with protein and balanced by the richness of slow-simmered sauce and hearty noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot in deep bowls with extra parmesan on top and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Add a side of garlic bread or a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to round out the meal.
A glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon pairs well with the richness of the dish. If you’re hosting, offer red wine or a non-alcoholic sangria for guests to sip alongside.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen in airtight containers. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or sauce to keep the noodles moist.
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Conclusion
Spaghetti and meatballs from the crockpot takes a timeless favorite and makes it even more convenient. With little prep and no need to watch the stove, you get a full meal packed with flavor and comfort.
Slow cooking brings out the best in every ingredient. From juicy meatballs to rich sauce and tender noodles, each bite feels satisfying and home-cooked. It is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on rotation all year long.