Slow Cooker Spaghetti Supper

End of Summer Comfort: Only 4 ingredients. Put this together in the morning and return to a completed supper!

 Slow Cooker Spaghetti Supper

This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Supper is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that makes classic spaghetti even easier. Tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese come together in the slow cooker for a satisfying meal with minimal hands-on preparation.

It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty homemade dinner without standing over the stove. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple green salad for an easy meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 24 ounces marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Supper

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.

Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Browning the beef first adds extra flavor and helps prevent excess grease from ending up in the finished spaghetti.

2. Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked beef and onion to the slow cooker.

Pour in the spaghetti sauce and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then stir everything together.

3. Add the Spaghetti

Break the dry spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the slow cooker.

Gently press the noodles down into the liquid as much as possible. Make sure the pasta is coated with sauce and liquid so it cooks evenly.

4. Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking if possible.

Check the pasta toward the end of the cooking time. It should be tender but not mushy.

Slow cooker temperatures can vary, so avoid cooking the spaghetti longer than necessary.

5. Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Cover the slow cooker again and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

6. Serve

Gently stir the spaghetti before serving, or use a serving spoon to portion it directly onto plates.

Top with additional Parmesan if desired and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti

Do not add the dry spaghetti too early. Pasta can become overly soft if it remains in the slow cooker for too long.

Break the spaghetti in half before adding it so the noodles fit more easily and cook more evenly.

If the pasta seems dry while cooking, add a small amount of warm broth or water.

Brown the ground beef before putting it into the slow cooker for the best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Spaghetti

This spaghetti supper pairs perfectly with garlic bread, cheesy breadsticks, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.

For an extra comforting dinner, serve warm garlic bread alongside the spaghetti so you can soak up the rich tomato sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftover spaghetti to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.

For longer storage, the cooked spaghetti can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for the beef. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but the recipe will still work well.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I use whole-wheat spaghetti?

Yes. Whole-wheat spaghetti can be substituted, although the cooking time and liquid absorption may vary slightly.

Can I make this without browning the beef?

It is possible, but browning the beef separately gives the dish better flavor and allows you to drain excess fat before slow cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Supper is a simple way to turn a classic family favorite into an easy slow cooker meal. Savory ground beef, tomato sauce, tender spaghetti, and melted cheese create a hearty dinner with plenty of comforting flavor. With just a little preparation, the slow cooker takes care of most of the work, making this recipe a convenient choice for busy family nights.