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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole
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This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that combines tender broken spaghetti, hearty meat sauce, and melted cheeses all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this hands-off recipe delivers classic pasta bake satisfaction with minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces broken dry spaghetti
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Cook the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until it is no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic in the last few minutes to soften and release their aroma, building a flavorful base for your casserole.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat and aromatics into the slow cooker. Add the broken spaghetti, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. Stir gently to evenly distribute ingredients without breaking the spaghetti further.
  3. Slow Cook Until Pasta Is Tender: Cover and cook on low for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, checking around the two-hour mark. The pasta will absorb the sauce and liquids, becoming tender and flavorful.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Approximately 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden topping.
  5. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Gently stir the casserole to combine the cheesy topping with the saucy pasta below. Scoop onto plates, garnish as desired, and enjoy your comforting meal.

Notes

  • Pre-break the spaghetti to ensure even cooking and easier serving.
  • Do not overfill the slow cooker; leave space for the pasta to expand.
  • Cook on low heat to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy or sticking to the pot.
  • Monitor liquid levels and add a splash of broth if the casserole appears dry during cooking.
  • Add cheese near the end of cooking to achieve melty, gooey perfection without overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, spaghetti casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, family meal, make-ahead, Italian

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/slow-cooker-spaghetti-casserole/