Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti is a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish that takes the hassle out of traditional stovetop cooking. With tender spaghetti noodles, a flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese, this recipe is an easy and satisfying dinner option perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers the ultimate combination of convenience and comfort. Using a slow cooker means less time spent in the kitchen and more time to focus on your day while dinner cooks itself. The pasta absorbs the savory sauce as it cooks, resulting in full-bodied flavor and a perfectly tender texture. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and easily customizable to suit your family’s tastes.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Spaghetti noodles (broken in half)
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Ground beef or Italian sausage
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Onion, finely chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
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Tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper
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Chicken or beef broth
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Cream cheese or sour cream
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Shredded mozzarella cheese
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
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Stir in crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, tomato paste (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
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Stir in the uncooked spaghetti (broken in half to fit) and continue cooking on low for another 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once the pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese or sour cream until smooth.
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Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
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Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes to allow the cheese to fully incorporate.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5.5 to 6 hours on low (or 3.5 to 4 hours on high)
Total time: 6 to 6.5 hours
Variations
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Meatless Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
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Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
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Creamier: Use a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream for an extra-rich texture.
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Cheese Blend: Mix in provolone or cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I put uncooked spaghetti directly into the slow cooker?
Yes, but add it after the sauce has cooked for a few hours so it doesn’t overcook or become mushy.
Can I use jarred pasta sauce?
Absolutely. A high-quality store-bought marinara sauce works well and saves time.
Should I cook the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the meat enhances the flavor and removes excess grease.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Stir occasionally during the final cooking phase and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, sour cream, ricotta cheese, or a mix of heavy cream and Parmesan can be used instead.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s mild, cheesy, and generally well-loved by children.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger slow cooker (at least 6–7 quarts) and adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.
Will the pasta get too soft in the slow cooker?
Not if added at the correct time and cooked according to directions. Stirring also helps ensure even texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the rest.
What should I serve with cheesy spaghetti?
Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti is a delicious, hands-off meal that turns a classic comfort food into an easy weeknight favorite. With layers of rich flavor and creamy cheese, this pasta dish brings hearty satisfaction to the table with minimal effort. Once you try this set-it-and-forget-it version of spaghetti, it’s bound to become a regular part of your recipe rotation.
Print
Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic pasta dish. Made with tender noodles, rich tomato meat sauce, and loads of melty cheese, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Break spaghetti noodles in half and add to the slow cooker. Pour in water or broth, making sure noodles are submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
- When pasta is tender, stir in sour cream or cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you like, just adjust the liquid as needed.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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