There’s truly nothing like a slow-simmered, homemade sauce, and this Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce brings all the rich, hearty flavors of a traditional Italian-style meal with virtually no effort. Perfect for those busy days when you don’t have time to stand over the stove, this recipe lets your crockpot do all the work while you go about your day, effortlessly filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. With a blend of ground beef and pork sausage, fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and a medley of savory seasonings, this sauce comes together to create a flavorful, comforting dish that will remind you of a warm family dinner.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Simply brown the meat, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it slowly cook until all the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll have a perfectly balanced sauce that’s hearty, savory, and bursting with flavor, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serve it over a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week ahead or gathering around the table for a cozy Sunday dinner, this crockpot spaghetti sauce is sure to become a go-to favorite. The blend of simplicity and flavor makes it the perfect meal for any occasion!
Key Ingredients in this Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
- Ground beef (90/10) – provides a hearty, meaty texture without excessive grease
- Ground pork sausage – adds savory depth and a slight sweetness from its seasoning
- Whole peeled tomatoes (27 oz can) – the base of the sauce, breaking down for a rich, smooth consistency
- Fresh garlic – infuses bold, aromatic depth that intensifies as it slow-cooks
- Italian seasoning – a blend of dried herbs that brings classic, well-balanced Italian flavors
How to Make Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce:
Ground beef (90/10) provides a hearty, meaty texture without excessive grease, making it the perfect base for the sauce. Ground pork sausage adds savory depth and a slight sweetness from its seasoning, complementing the beef beautifully. Whole peeled tomatoes break down as they cook, creating a rich, smooth consistency that forms the foundation of the sauce. Fresh garlic infuses bold, aromatic depth, intensifying in flavor the longer it simmers. Finally, Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, ties everything together with classic, well-balanced Italian flavors.
Customizable Sauce Add-Ons
Want to make this crockpot spaghetti sauce your own? Here are some fun and flavorful add-ins to take your sauce to the next level:
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a little heat that will warm up your dish.
- Mushroom Lovers – Stir in some sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth and a touch of umami.
- Herb Infusion – Fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end will give your sauce a burst of vibrant, fresh flavor.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.
- Sweet Touch – Add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a sweeter sauce.
More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food
If you loved this recipe, you’ll love any of these equally delicious dinner options!
- Crispy Smashed Potato Salad with Green Onions & Bacon
- Classic 90’s-Style Hamburger Helper
- Springtime Pesto & Shrimp Bucatini
- Butternut Squash & Horseradish Fettuccini with Herby Walnut Bread Crumbs
Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
Equipment
- large pot
- Crockpot
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 27-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 32-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and sausage together in a large pot. Add the diced onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Set the crockpot to high. While the meat and vegetables cook, add the whole peeled tomatoes, marinara sauce, and tomato sauce to the crockpot. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat if needed. Add the meat and vegetable mixture to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on low, stirring occasionally.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti noodles.