Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs – A No-Fuss Family Favorite

Nothing says comfort food like a big bowl of Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs! This classic dish gets a lazy-day upgrade with the help of your crockpot, letting you enjoy all the rich, savory flavors without hovering over the stove. With tender meatballs, a delicious homemade sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is a weeknight dinner winner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Hands-Free

With just 5 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. No need to boil the pasta separately or babysit a simmering sauce.

Rich, Bold Flavors

Cooking low and slow allows the tomatoes, herbs, and balsamic vinegar to meld into a deep, flavorful sauce.

Perfect for Busy Families

This one-pot meal is great for weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients & Substitutions

What You’ll Need

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (add an extra can for more sauce)
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 ⅓ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp honey (or to taste, balances acidity)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (adds depth and richness)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp minced garlic (optional but recommended)
• ½ tsp onion powder (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• 1 lb meatballs (pre-made or homemade)
• 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half (makes it easier to fit in the crockpot)
• Fresh herbs & Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Substitutions & Add-Ons

• No beef broth? Swap for chicken broth or vegetable broth
• No honey? Use maple syrup or a pinch of sugar
• Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
• Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Sauce

In your 6-quart slow cooker, mix together the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Add the Meatballs & Cook

Stir in the meatballs, ensuring they’re coated in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

Add the Pasta

Stir in the broken spaghetti, making sure it’s fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for 30 minutes on high, or until the pasta is tender.

Serve & Enjoy

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

Submerge the pasta completely in the sauce to ensure even cooking. Use high-quality tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.

Avoid These Mistakes

Don’t add pasta too early – it will turn mushy if overcooked. Don’t stir too often – let the slow cooker do its thing.

Time-Saving Tips

Use frozen meatballs to cut down on prep. Make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for a quick dump-and-go meal.

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve with Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs are always a good idea
• Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich sauce
• Roasted Veggies – Try zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts

Best Drinks to Pair

• Red Wine – A Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the tomato sauce beautifully
• Iced Tea – For a refreshing non-alcoholic option

Storage & Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Meatballs Instead of Frozen?

Yes! Fresh homemade meatballs will work perfectly. Just brown them first for extra flavor.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The sauce and meatballs can be made a day in advance, and the pasta can be added when you’re ready to serve.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Looking for more comforting and crowd-pleasing dishes? Check out these recipes:

• Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms – A savory, bite-sized appetizer perfect for special occasions
• Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers – A fresh and festive starter for date night
• Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs – A flaky, cheesy snack that pairs well with pasta dishes

For more recipe inspiration, check out our Pinterest page: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

This slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs recipe is guaranteed to be a hit in your home. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

Print