Hearty Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Here’s a delicious and hearty slow cooker spaghetti sauce recipe that’s perfect for a cozy meal. This sauce is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection.

Hearty Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to your preference)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
   • Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
   • Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), and beef broth to the slow cooker.
   • Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, sugar, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
   • Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cook the Sauce:
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld together.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using. This will add a rich, cheesy flavor to the sauce.
   • Remove the bay leaf before serving.
   • Serve the sauce over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Enjoy your hearty slow cooker spaghetti sauce with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal!