This hearty spaghetti sauce blends flavorful Italian sausage with tender beef, making it a perfect topping for pasta. The slow cooker does all the magic while you relax!
I love how simple this recipe is—just toss everything in and let it simmer. You can even make extra to freeze for a busy night. Spaghetti night has never been easier! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your flavor preference. For a healthier option, you can replace it with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works well, but you can substitute ground turkey or even vegan ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian sauce.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add depth to the sauce. If you’re in a pinch, onion powder and garlic powder can work as substitutes.
Canned Tomatoes: Crush, sauce, and paste give a rich texture. If you have fresh tomatoes, chop about 6-8 cups, but they’ll need longer cooking time.
Red Wine: It adds depth to the sauce. If you’d rather skip it, use more water or broth for flavor without the alcohol.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Has The Right Flavor?
Balancing the flavors in your sauce is key. Here’s how to make it delicious:
- Always taste your sauce towards the end of cooking. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Using sugar helps to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Don’t skip this step!
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bay leaf during cooking and remove it before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Cook This in the Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker is simple, but here are some tips for success:
- Make sure to brown your meats first; this adds rich flavor that you can’t get by just adding raw meat to the cooker.
- Layer ingredients in the slow cooker starting with meats, then onions, and finally the liquids. This helps keep moisture locked in.
- Cook on low for a longer, gradual simmer for better flavor development—6 to 8 hours is ideal.
Enjoy making your delicious spaghetti sauce!
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Beef Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water or red wine
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked spaghetti or pasta of choice, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and then you’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Instructions:
1. Brown the Meats:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook them together, breaking them apart with a spoon, until they are browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving on.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant. These will add a delicious base flavor to your sauce!
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Now, transfer the cooked meat mixture into your slow cooker. It’s okay to use a spatula to scrape up all the good bits from the skillet!
4. Add the Tomato Ingredients:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the water or red wine. These ingredients will create the heart of your sauce.
5. Season the Sauce:
Add in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Mix everything together well to combine all the flavors!
6. Cook the Sauce:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. If you can, stir the sauce occasionally to help the flavors meld together.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for that extra touch!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful slow cooker Italian sausage and beef spaghetti sauce! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Italian Sausage and Beef Spaghetti Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
It’s best to thaw your meat before using it. You can thaw in the refrigerator overnight or place the sealed package in cold water for a quicker solution. Cooking frozen meat directly in the slow cooker is not recommended for safety reasons.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage and ground beef with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based ground meat alternatives. Adjust the spices to your taste for an equally delicious vegetarian sauce!
How Do I Store Leftover Sauce?
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure it is cooled down completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes! This recipe can be easily doubled. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, and cook it on the same time settings. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
