If you’re craving comfort food that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make, this Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti is a must-try. Packed with ground beef, colorful veggies, and warm Italian spices, this one-pot wonder brings all the taste of a slow-simmered sauce without hours spent at the stove.
Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day — then come back to a kitchen that smells like home.
Why This Spaghetti Recipe Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation
This isn’t your average spaghetti night. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Full of Flavor: The beef, veggies, and seasonings come together for a rich, slow-cooked taste.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will be going back for seconds.
- One-Pot Simplicity: Less mess, more yum.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking up on leftovers, this hearty dish delivers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before getting started:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
These everyday pantry staples come together to create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day — because it did!
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Directions
1. Brown the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked, drain the excess fat to avoid greasy sauce.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook until the onion turns soft and translucent — this adds depth to your dish right from the beginning.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. Add in the bell pepper, carrots, and celery for color, crunch, and nutrients.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
5. Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. During this time, the flavors will meld and develop beautifully.
6. Add Pasta Near the End
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken spaghetti noodles. Make sure they’re fully submerged in the sauce for even cooking. Cover again and let them cook until tender.
7. Time to Serve
Once the pasta is soft and everything is heated through, it’s ready to dish out. Spoon into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti
- Break the spaghetti in half so it fits better in the cooker and mixes more evenly with the sauce.
- Stir the pasta in well when you add it, making sure it’s not sticking together.
- Don’t skip the sauté step — browning the beef and cooking the onion/garlic adds big flavor.
- Use lean beef to reduce greasiness, or try ground turkey for a lighter twist.
Make It Your Own: Easy Variations
Looking to mix it up? Here are some simple ways to customize:
- Swap veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more greens.
- Use whole wheat pasta: For a fiber boost.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for a little kick.
- Go dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
What to Serve with It
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few simple sides to elevate the meal:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
This combo makes for a balanced, soul-warming dinner the whole family will love.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick.
- Freeze without the pasta for longer storage. Just cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Bring Comfort to Your Table — The Easy Way
There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm plate of spaghetti, especially when it’s packed with tender beef, slow-cooked vegetables, and rich tomato flavor. This Slow Cooker Hearty Beef and Vegetable Spaghetti delivers all of that — with hardly any effort.
Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot on your comfort food list.