If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hands-off dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. This dish is the perfect marriage of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all slow-cooked together to meld flavors beautifully. Whether you’re busy at work or just craving an easy, hearty meal, this recipe lets you set it and forget it, coming home to a delicious, satisfying classic that your whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few straightforward ingredients, you can create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role: the meatballs offer juicy protein, the sauce brings vibrant color and depth, and the spaghetti delivers that classic comforting bite we all crave.
- Frozen meatballs (20 oz package): Ready-made for ease and perfectly seasoned for great flavor without the work.
- Tomato sauce (28 oz jar): Choose your favorite variety to add richness and a luscious sauce base.
- Italian style diced tomatoes (1 can): Adds texture and a fresh, bright tomato flavor that complements the sauce.
- Beef broth (3 cups): A flavorful liquid that keeps meatballs moist and infuses the whole dish with savory goodness.
- Dry spaghetti (16 oz): The hearty pasta that soaks up all those amazing flavors while cooking slowly in the crockpot.
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying your slow cooker with cooking spray—this simple step makes cleanup a breeze after all the deliciousness is gone.
Step 2: Layer the Meatballs and Broth
Place the frozen meatballs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth evenly over the meatballs so they stay juicy and develop rich flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Add the Spaghetti
Break the dry spaghetti in half if needed and arrange it on top of the meatballs. Make sure to crisscross the spaghetti sticks to prevent them from clumping together while cooking, allowing each strand to become perfectly tender.
Step 4: Pour on Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour your Italian style diced tomatoes and jar of pasta sauce over the spaghetti layer. Stir gently if needed to ensure the pasta is completely covered with the sauce mixture, which helps everything cook evenly.
Step 5: Cook on High and Combine
Set your slow cooker on high and cook for about 2 hours. Once the cooking time is up, stir everything to combine the meatballs, pasta, and sauce thoroughly. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid, making the dish perfectly saucy without being watery.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now your Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is ready to be devoured. Scoop generous portions onto plates and get ready for some serious comfort food satisfaction!
How to Serve Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese on top elevates the dish, adding a pop of color and a burst of fresh, cheesy flavor that brightens up every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also add a nutritious, colorful contrast that balances the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add some fun? Serve the meatballs and spaghetti in mini cast iron skillets or mason jars for a rustic, charming presentation. Layer it with extra cheese and bake briefly for a baked pasta twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm through evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much while chilled.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs in the Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and allow you to control seasonings, but be sure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the slow cooker so they’re safe to eat and cook evenly with the other ingredients.
Do I need to stir the dish while it’s cooking?
It’s best not to stir the dish during cooking to keep the spaghetti from breaking up too much. Just stir once at the end of the cooking time to integrate everything.
Can I substitute the beef broth with something else?
Yes, chicken broth or vegetable broth can work fine depending on your preference, but beef broth offers the richest flavor that complements the meatballs best in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure your meatballs and sauces are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this hearty meal.
How thick should the sauce be when finished?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the spaghetti and meatballs well without being watery. Letting the dish sit a few minutes after cooking helps the pasta absorb excess liquid, giving you that perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is truly one of those all-time favorites that’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and wonderfully comforting. It’s perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a cozy meal without fuss. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a go-to dinner for your family and friends!
Print
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make crockpot spaghetti and meatballs recipe that combines frozen meatballs, spaghetti, Italian diced tomatoes, and your favorite pasta sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs and Broth
- 20 oz package frozen meatballs
- 3 cups beef broth
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz dry spaghetti
- 28 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 can Italian style diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to make clean-up easier and prevent sticking.
- Add Meatballs and Broth: Place the frozen meatballs at the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour the beef broth over them, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Layer Spaghetti: Break the dry spaghetti into smaller pieces if needed and arrange them in a crisscross pattern on top of the meatballs. This helps prevent the pasta from clumping together while cooking.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour the Italian style diced tomatoes and your favorite pasta sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer. Stir gently if needed to ensure the pasta is fully covered by the liquid and sauce mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. After cooking, stir the pasta and meatballs together to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Rest and Serve: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow any excess liquid to be absorbed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti in a crisscross pattern prevents it from sticking together during slow cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the crockpot sit uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if desired.
- Frozen meatballs do not need to be thawed before adding to the slow cooker.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
