If you are searching for a comforting and incredibly easy dinner, look no further than this Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe. It combines tender meatballs, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce all in one pot, freeing you from standing over the stove. This dish delivers all the cozy flavors of a classic Italian meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. With every bite, you’ll savor the warm, hearty goodness that slow cooking infuses into the ingredients, turning simple pantry staples into a spectacular dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few simple ingredients is all it takes to make this hearty Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe shine. Each component plays a key role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor, rich texture, and satisfying depth.
- Frozen meatballs: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for juicy, flavorful bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Favorite pasta sauce (28 oz jar): A rich tomato-based sauce acts as the backbone of this dish, adding acidity and sweetness.
- Italian style diced tomatoes (1 can): These add a burst of bright, fresh tomato flavor and beautiful chunks for texture.
- Beef broth (3 cups): This liquid helps cook the pasta right in the crockpot and deepens the overall flavor.
- Dry spaghetti (16 oz): Break it in half if needed so it fits, forming the hearty pasta strands that soak up all the sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the saucy ingredients from sticking to the sides, making your cooking experience much more enjoyable.
Step 2: Layer the Meatballs and Broth
Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot, creating a solid base of protein. Pour the beef broth over the meatballs, which will not only help cook the pasta but will also infuse the meatballs with deep flavor as they simmer together.
Step 3: Add the Spaghetti
Break the spaghetti strands in half if they’re too long to fit evenly. Arrange them over the meatballs in a crisscross pattern rather than simply layering them straight. This helps prevent the pasta from clumping and encourages even cooking throughout.
Step 4: Pour the Tomatoes and Sauce
Pour the Italian style diced tomatoes and your chosen pasta sauce on top of the spaghetti. If needed, give everything a gentle stir so the pasta is fully covered by sauce and tomatoes—this ensures every bite is saucy and delicious.
Step 5: Cook on High
Set your crockpot to cook on the high setting for 2 hours. Once the timer goes off, stir the meatballs and spaghetti together to combine all the flavors. Then let it sit for 5 minutes; this resting time helps the pasta absorb any extra liquid, making the dish perfectly saucy but not watery.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out generous portions and garnish as you like. This meal is ready to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones!
How to Serve Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a good grating of Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes add a pop of color and a burst of savory brightness that elevate the whole dish instantly.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty meal alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a classic Italian-style dinner. The freshness of greens and the buttery crunch of bread complement the rich, saucy spaghetti and meatballs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs and sauce over polenta or creamy mashed potatoes instead of spaghetti. Or, pile the meatballs onto an open-faced sandwich with melted mozzarella for an Italian-inspired meatball sub experience right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store leftover Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personalized touch and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Just be sure they are fully cooked or sturdy enough to hold together during slow cooking.
Should I thaw the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot?
There’s no need to thaw them first. Frozen meatballs work perfectly and save you time. They will cook thoroughly as the spaghetti and sauce cook together.
Is it better to use high or low heat on the crockpot?
This recipe calls for cooking on high for 2 hours, which is perfect to cook the pasta evenly without turning it mushy. Using low heat would require a much longer cooking time and could affect the pasta’s texture.
Can I substitute the spaghetti for another type of pasta?
Yes, you can. Just keep in mind that different pastas cook at different rates, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thin pastas work best to ensure they cook fully in the crockpot environment.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together in the crockpot?
Breaking the spaghetti into smaller pieces and layering it in a crisscross pattern helps prevent clumping. Stirring gently before cooking and making sure it’s fully coated with liquid also helps.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe is a total game-changer for nights when you want comfort food without the hassle. Easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing, it invites you to slow down and enjoy mealtime with family or friends. Give it a try—you just might find your new go-to weeknight favorite!
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 Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe offers a convenient and delicious one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender frozen meatballs slow-cooked with spaghetti, savory beef broth, Italian diced tomatoes, and rich pasta sauce create a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Simply combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, set it, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meatballs and Sauce
- 20 oz package frozen meatballs
- 28 oz jar of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Italian style diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
Pasta
- 16 oz dry spaghetti
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Add Meatballs and Broth: Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth evenly over the meatballs to provide moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Add Spaghetti: Break the dry spaghetti in half if necessary, and layer it on top of the meatballs in a crisscross pattern. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together.
- Pour Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour the Italian diced tomatoes and your chosen pasta sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring the pasta is fully covered. Stir gently if needed to combine ingredients without disturbing the layering too much.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the meatballs to heat through and the pasta to absorb flavors.
- Stir and Rest: After cooking, stir the pasta and meatballs together to combine all ingredients evenly. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed, thickening the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid off to reduce liquid.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti if a gluten-free version is desired.
- Frozen meatballs do not need to be thawed before cooking, making this recipe quick and convenient.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For added spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when layering the sauce.
