Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef is a delicious, comforting meal that brings the family together around the dinner table. This hearty dish combines tender pasta, a flavorful tomato sauce, and savory ground beef, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal waiting for you at home.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef
To make this simple yet flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (28 ounces / 800 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 g) tomato paste
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces (340 g) spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Follow these easy steps to create your Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the diced bell pepper, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken spaghetti noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover again and cook until the noodles are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Serving Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef is all about presentation and pairing. Here are some tips:
- Serve the spaghetti in individual bowls topped generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Fresh basil or parsley can add a beautiful touch and a pop of color.
- Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Don’t forget a glass of your favorite beverage to make dinner extra special!
Helpful Tricks for Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef
To enhance your cooking experience, here are some expert tips and variations:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it cooks.
- You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to the mix for a personalized touch.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef FAQs
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a healthy alternative that will work in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may require a little longer to reach the right tenderness.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it; just make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
This Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s filling, simple to prepare, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting meal that warms the soul!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 450 g
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces) 800 g
- 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces) 170 g
- 2 cups beef broth 480 ml
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half 340 g
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the slow cooker.
- Add the diced bell pepper, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken spaghetti noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover again and cook until the noodles are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Serving
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
