If you’re looking for a hearty, homemade pasta sauce that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day, this Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce is exactly what you need.
Packed with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and a blend of savory herbs, this rich and chunky sauce develops incredible depth of flavor while your slow cooker does all the work.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or Sunday family dinners, this classic spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, garlic bread, or even layered into lasagna.
Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—or freeze portions for an easy homemade dinner anytime.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 pound bulk Italian sausage
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and chopped onions, cooking and stirring until the sausage is browned and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked sausage and onions to the slow cooker.
- Using the same skillet, add the ground beef. Season with the Italian herb seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and the dried marjoram. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in the remaining garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and basil until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for about 8 hours, allowing the flavors to slowly blend into a rich, hearty sauce.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Serve the sauce over freshly cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Chef’s Notes
- For even richer flavor, use hot or mild Italian sausage depending on your preference.
- This sauce tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick homemade meals.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, lightly crush the stewed tomatoes before adding them to the slow cooker.