Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl.
- Gently mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense or tough.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
- Roll the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
- Place the prepared meatballs on a plate while preparing the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Crock Pot Sauce
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and olive oil to the Crock Pot.
- Stir well until the tomato paste is fully combined with the sauce.
Step 4: Add the Meatballs
- Carefully place the homemade meatballs into the tomato sauce.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs, then cover the Crock Pot with the lid.
Step 5: Slow Cook
- Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of the meatballs.
- Before adding the spaghetti, make sure the meatballs are fully cooked. Ground beef meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Add the Spaghetti
- Break the dry spaghetti in half if necessary so it fits comfortably inside the Crock Pot.
- Place the spaghetti into the sauce and add 2 cups of water or broth. Gently press the noodles down into the sauce.
- Cover and continue cooking.
Step 7: Cook Until the Pasta Is Tender
- Cook the spaghetti for approximately 30 to 60 minutes, checking regularly after the first 30 minutes.
- Gently stir the pasta occasionally as it softens to help it cook evenly. Add a little more water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is tender.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the spaghetti is tender, gently toss it with the sauce using tongs or a large spoon.
- Serve the spaghetti and meatballs hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and fresh basil.
Notes
Do not add the spaghetti too early. Pasta cooks much faster than the meatballs and can become overly soft if cooked for several hours.
Check the spaghetti regularly after 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Frozen fully cooked meatballs can be used as a convenient alternative to homemade meatballs.
If using frozen meatballs, add them directly to the Crock Pot with the sauce ingredients.
If the sauce becomes too thick while the spaghetti is cooking, add water or broth gradually.
For extra flavor, lightly brown the homemade meatballs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version of the recipe.
For a cheesy finish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the cooked spaghetti and cover the Crock Pot for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Check the spaghetti regularly after 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Frozen fully cooked meatballs can be used as a convenient alternative to homemade meatballs.
If using frozen meatballs, add them directly to the Crock Pot with the sauce ingredients.
If the sauce becomes too thick while the spaghetti is cooking, add water or broth gradually.
For extra flavor, lightly brown the homemade meatballs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version of the recipe.
For a cheesy finish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the cooked spaghetti and cover the Crock Pot for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.