If you’re looking for a go-to spaghetti sauce that is rich, flavorful, and practically effortless to make, you’ve stumbled upon a gem! This homemade slow cooker spaghetti sauce is truly the best I’ve ever made. It combines the hearty goodness of ground beef and Italian sausage, creating a delicious meal that you can serve over your favorite pasta or use as a base for delightful dishes like stuffed pasta shells and lasagna.

Not only does this sauce cook itself with the magic of a slow cooker, but it also freezes beautifully. Make a batch, portion it out, and store it in the freezer for busy weeknights – all you need to do is boil your pasta, and you’re ready to dine!

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: The Perfect Base

This sauce is not just versatile; it’s incredibly forgiving too. The ingredients meld together creating a depth of flavor that can elevate any pasta dish. Plus, it serves as an incredible base for other recipes – if you’re feeling adventurous, try it in cream cheese spaghetti or one-pot taco spaghetti for a fun twist!

What Is the Secret Ingredient in Spaghetti Sauce?

The secret to this mouthwatering spaghetti sauce lies in the use of Italian sausage in the ground meat mixture. This addition lends a remarkable flavor that takes the sauce from good to absolutely amazing.

You can choose spicy Italian sausage for a little kick, opt for sweet sausage for a milder flavor, or go with plain sausage to keep it simple. Feel free to mix and match to suit your palate or keep things fresh and exciting!

How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

1. Cook the Meats

   In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together with the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, making sure to break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if you prefer a leaner sauce.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

   Transfer the cooked meat mixture into a 5-quart slow cooker. Add the spices, sugar, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, minced parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and canola oil. Mix everything together well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

3. Cooking Time

   Add half a cup of water, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. If time is of the essence, you can opt to cook on high for about 4 hours instead.

Reheating and Storage Tips

The best way to reheat frozen spaghetti sauce is on the stovetop, but you can also use the microwave for a quick meal solution. Just remember to thaw your sauce in the fridge overnight for optimal results.

Storage: I recommend preparing a full batch and dividing it into portions. Each of my batches yields about three one-quart servings, which are perfect for our family of six. Store them in freezer bags to save space, or keep your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Need a Side Dish? Check These Out!

Consider pairing your spaghetti with a simple garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to round out your meal. The flavors of these sides complement spaghetti sauce beautifully!