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Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti – Comfort Food Meets Convenience

Looking for a cozy, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner idea? This Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that’s not only filling but also easy to make. With tender spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and plenty of vegetables, this one-pot slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re searching for “best slow cooker pasta recipes” or just want a wholesome meal without standing over the stove, this hearty spaghetti will become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat to prevent grease in your final dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Move the beef mixture into your slow cooker insert.

Step 4: Add Fresh Vegetables

Stir in bell pepper, carrots, and celery for a hearty and nutritious base.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

Low for 6–7 hours, or
High for 3–4 hours

This gives the sauce time to thicken and vegetables to soften.

Step 7: Add Spaghetti

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken spaghetti noodles, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.

Step 8: Finish Cooking

Cook another 25–30 minutes until pasta is tender but not mushy.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot meal – fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
Nutritious – loaded with veggies and protein.
Family-friendly – kids love the flavor.
Convenient – slow cooker does all the work.
Customizable – swap meat, veggies, or pasta as you like.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian version: Skip the beef and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Lighter option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Hidden veggie trick: Blend the sauce before adding pasta for picky eaters.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes.
Whole wheat pasta: For added fiber and nutty flavor.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti

Add pasta only in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Stir well after adding spaghetti to avoid sticking.
Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt.
Make a big batch and freeze half the sauce for later (before adding pasta).

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water.
Freeze: Freeze the sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With minimal prep, healthy ingredients, and bold flavors, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday family meal, this slow cooker spaghetti will always hit the spot.

Try this recipe today and make dinner stress-free and delicious!