Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

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Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner that your whole family will love? Try making Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs! This Italian classic is filled with nostalgia and can be made in your slow cooker with just a few simple ingredients.

Overhead look at crock pot spaghetti and meatballs.

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic Italian dish that originated in the south of Italy. It's a comfort food with a long history, often associated with Sunday dinners or family gatherings. The combination of pasta, tomato sauce, and savory meatballs creates an irresistible flavor that has been enjoyed for generations.

This traditional dish can be made in a variety of different ways, including in your slow cooker! This recipe is very simple as it features jarred pasta sauce along with frozen meatballs. Everything gets added to the crock pot, including the noodles!

In just two hours, you'll have a full and satisfying dinner that tastes like it took all day to make. All you need is the crock pot, the ingredients, and your appetite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Take the help from frozen meatballs and jarred pasta sauce to save you tons of time!
It's easy to make and only requires a few ingredients from the grocery store.
The crock pot does all the work, so you don't have to use many different pots and pans.
It can feed a crowd and is great for leftovers.
Take the help from frozen meatballs and jarred pasta sauce to save you tons of time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta Sauce - You can use homemade pasta sauce or use your favorite brand. There are so many to choose from!
Beef Broth and Water - The meatballs and pasta get cooked all at once, which needs the help of liquid, including beef broth and water.
Italian seasoning - Adds a hint of Italian herb flavor throughout the dish.
Minced Garlic & Onion - No Italian dish would be complete without the bold flavor of minced garlic along with the savory onion.
Brown Sugar - Adds a hint of sweetness to the dish that balances the savory beef flavor.
Frozen Meatballs - These can be found in most grocery stores and range in size and flavor.
Spaghetti - This classic pasta is long and thin and is the perfect shape for crock pot pasta. Instructions.
Butter - Placed on top of the noodles to infuse into the dish, helping with texture and buttery flavor.
Parmesan Cheese - This salty cheese adds flavor to the dish and can be added when serving.

How To Make Spaghetti and Meatballs In The Crock Pot

Add the liquid ingredients: To the bottom of the crock pot, add the pasta sauce, water, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic, and brown sugar. Stir with a whisk until all of the ingredients are fully combined.

Add meatballs and spaghetti: Pour the frozen meatballs into the liquid, then place the spaghetti noodles on top. Press the noodles down until they are fully submerged in the liquid. Then, place the cubed butter on top of the pasta evenly.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top, and slow cook for 2 - 2½ on LOW, or until the noodles are al dente and the meatballs are thawed and warmed through the center. Stir halfway through.

Remove and serve: Stir the mixture until the sauce and meatballs are evenly distributed, then add to a serving dish or plate. Top with parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

When choosing frozen meatballs, choose ones that are small or medium in size, as they will take a shorter time to cook.
It's important to ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in liquid to ensure that it is evenly cooked.
Cook the pasta only until al dente as the heat will continue to cook it. This will help ensure that it doesn't overcook and become mushy.
If the sauce is too runny, add a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it up. To help with this, choose pasta sauce that is on the thicker side.

Variations

Use different types of meatballs: There are so many types of meatballs you can choose from to make this dish, including turkey, pork, and vegan.
Substitute different types of pasta: You can use your favorite types of pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, or bowties, instead of spaghetti.
Add additional vegetables: Feel free to add some additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.
Use other sauces: Red sauce is classic in this Italian dish, but feel free to use other types of sauce, including vodka sauce, arrabbiata, or even pesto, for a unique twist.
Garnish ideas: Along with parmesan cheese, you can also use fresh basil leaves or parsley for a beautiful garnish.

Spaghetti wrapped around a fork with meatballs.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Any cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Freezing: The cooked dish can be frozen in a sealed container and stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat spaghetti and meatballs is to add them to a crock pot or slow cooker on low heat for about 2 hours until heated through. Alternatively, you can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Recipe FAQs

What does al dente mean?

Al dente is a cooking term that refers to pasta being cooked until it still has some bite but is not hard or crunchy. The word translates to “to the tooth” in Italian, referring to how it should feel when bitten into.

Can I substitute fresh meatballs for frozen ones?

Yes, you can use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones; make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the crock pot.

Can I use ground beef instead of meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for the meatballs in this dish. Cook the ground beef until it is fully cooked before adding it to the crock pot.

Close up of spaghetti and meatballs on a plate with a slow cooker in the background.

Crock Pot Italian Dinners

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