Is it too good to be true? Can this come from a crockpot? I first saw a recipe for crockpot spaghetti on Recipezaar – now Food.com . I love this site for sifting through recipes to find a good fit for ingredients I have on hand or to try something new. I also like the ability to keep recipes in my own ‘cookbook’ for free. The original recipe that led me to cooking spaghetti in the crockpot can be found here. Of course, like most things I do, I tweak this recipe. I thought you might like to see how I make it for my family.
2 lbs. ground meat (beef, turkey, goat, etc.)
2 T minced onion*
2 T minced garlic
salt to taste
2-3 t Italian seasonings
1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce (sometimes 15 oz can sauce, 15 oz can diced tomatoes-mostly drained)
1 can (46 oz) tomato (or vegetable) juice
1 box spaghetti ( full size box, your favorite variety)
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
1/3 bag tri-color peppers/onions *-omit minced onion if using this
mushrooms – fresh or 3 cans (4oz) stems and pieces-drained
I try to keep pre-cooked burger in the freezer. I cook this in large batches with salt and garlic, drain grease then freeze in two pound portions. If not already cooked, cook in skillet with onion, garlic and salt. Add to crockpot. If I have this frozen, I add directly to crockpot-no thawing first.
Next I add the Italian seasonings, peppers and/or mushrooms (if using) If I have time and really want to increase the flavor, I saute these along with the garlic in a little olive oil. It is good just dumping into the crockpot, too.
Third, I pour in the tomato sauce and juice. If using the diced tomatoes, I drain the can most of the way before dumping it in. I love to use Red Gold tomato products because they are grown and packed right here in Indiana.
If I am able to stir things, I do. Do NOT add the spaghetti at this time. Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours. I have also set my crockpot on high. Shorten the time accordingly.
Approximately 1 hour (75 minutes if using a whole wheat/grain pasta) prior to dinner time, add the spaghetti. Break the pieces into thirds or fourths first. This is still sometimes a little difficult to stir in the raw pasta. After stirring in the uncooked pasta, cover and turn to high. The pasta cooks well right in the sauce. I would not let this cook too long. The pasta continues cooking and will get mushy.
Serve with parmesan cheese, salad and garlic bread, or your favorite accompaniaments. Mangia!
This is a very adaptable recipe, so feel free to adjust for your own preferences. The crockpot shown is a 4 quart that has since died. The replacement is also a round 5 (or 5.5) quart.