Some people call is Bolognese sauce, some call it meat sauce. Well I grew up with calling it spaghetti sauce! So you can use my Dad’s Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce for all of your favorite dishes. This makes a big batch too so you can freeze and pull it out for meals to come!
My Dad’s Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce can be made on your stove top too, just make sure you let it simmer to infuse all the flavors. This easy meat sauce recipe uses your favorite jars of sauce and then we give it some extra love. This is how both my Mom and Dad made spaghetti sauce, so that is how I learned and nothing is better than Mom’s Spaghetti…am I right?
The reason I call it Dad’s Spaghetti Sauce is because after my dad retired, he took over the cooking and he makes about four meals. Chili, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Pot Pie, and of course his Spaghetti Sauce. So any time we go camping or he is in charge of a meal we say “Dad is making his spaghetti”!
I love making this spaghetti sauce in a big batch. That way we get a few days out of it and freeze some for other meals like my Slow Cooker Meatball Lasagna or Italian Sausage & Tortellini Bake! Just defrost and use in your favorite Italian dishes!
How to Make My Dad’s Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
First you need to brown your ground beef with the onions. You can use turkey if you want too. Then add to the slow cooker.
Next add in your seasonings, garlic, peppers, and any additional veggies (sometime I shred carrots or even zucchini for some hidden veggies).
Then add your favorite jars of sauce. I usually use whatever I have in my cupboard. This time I bought a few different flavors. Stir it all around so everything is covered.
Then put the lid on and let cook on low for at least 4 hours.
Then serve hot with your favorite noodles! I like to use whole wheat pasta or veggie delight’s for some added nutrition! Any shape of noodle will do!
Can you freeze spaghetti sauce?
Yes! That is why I make it in large batches. I used to freeze sauce right in my favorite stackable containers but recently I have started to freeze in Zip Lock gallon bags so that they lay flat and take up less room in the freezer!
Make sure to PIN IT!
Dad’s Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1-2 green bell pepper chopped (red works well too)
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning or add basil, oregano, etc.
- 2 24 oz. Jars of your favorite sauce (& flavors of choice)
- 1 45 oz. Jar of your favorite sauce or a total of (4) 24 oz. jars
Instructions
- In a medium sauté pan cook ground beef and onions until meat is browned and onions are soft and fragrant.
- Drain the grease and add to the slow cooker.
- Add in the chopped green pepper, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian Seasoning.
- Pour in the jars of sauce, give it a stir, and cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours.
Notes
Make sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter!
If you like this spaghetti sauce recipe make sure to check out my:
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January 29, 2023 at 9:12 am[…] one was a hit! For me, any type of pasta and meat sauce is comfort food to me. I always make my Dad’s Spaghetti Sauce in the Slow Cooker and then use it in my favorite pasta recipes like lasagna or with frozen shells, […]