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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole
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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that combines ground meat, spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Cooked low and slow, this hearty casserole fills your home with delicious aromas and offers a perfect, hassle-free meal for busy families or weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles (break in half to fit)

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional Liquids

  • ½ cup water or broth (to help cook pasta)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This builds foundational flavors and reduces extra grease.
  2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: Transfer the browned meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, forming a rich and savory base.
  3. Add the Spaghetti: Break spaghetti noodles in half and layer them evenly on top of the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Do not stir. Carefully pour water or broth over the noodles to help them cook properly.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until spaghetti is tender. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to retain heat and moisture.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Once noodles are cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles deliciously.

Notes

  • Prep Ingredients Ahead: Browning meat and sautéing onions early helps reduce slow cooker time.
  • Use Fresh Pasta if Possible: Fresh pasta cooks faster and absorbs flavors better; adjust liquids accordingly.
  • Don’t Overfill: Fill the slow cooker no more than two-thirds full for even cooking.
  • Layer Pasta on Top: Adding noodles on top prevents them from sticking and becoming mushy.
  • Cheese Last: Adding cheese at the end keeps it gooey and prevents overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, spaghetti casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family-friendly, one-pot meal, crockpot dinner

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/slow-cooker-spaghetti-casserole/