📝 Ingredients (and Why They Work)
1. 1 Pound of Spaghetti
Spaghetti is the classic pasta choice here, but you can use any long pasta you have on hand—angel hair, linguine, or even fettuccine. Breaking it in half before adding ensures even cooking and easier stirring.
2. 2 Cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar adds a bold, cheesy bite that melts beautifully into the sauce. Use sharp cheddar for more flavor, or try a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey, stretchy texture.
3. 1 Jar (24 oz) Pasta Sauce
Choose your favorite jarred marinara, tomato basil, or garlic herb sauce. Go for quality here—it makes a big difference in flavor. For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of tomato paste.
4. 1 Pound Ground Beef or Turkey
Ground beef brings hearty flavor and richness, while ground turkey is a leaner alternative. Cook it first to lock in flavor and avoid excess grease in your slow cooker.
👩🍳 How to Make Cheesy Spaghetti in the Slow Cooker
This recipe is incredibly simple but incredibly rewarding. Here’s the step-by-step guide to making it perfectly every time.
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned—this usually takes about 7–10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat and set the cooked meat aside.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In your slow cooker, combine the browned meat, the full jar of pasta sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well so everything is evenly coated and blended.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Break the spaghetti in half (so it fits better and cooks evenly) and add it directly to the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to make sure all the pasta is coated with sauce.
Step 4: Cook Low & Slow
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking. This helps prevent the noodles from clumping and ensures they cook evenly in the sauce.
🕒 Time Tip: After 2 hours, check for doneness. Some slow cookers run hotter than others. Your spaghetti should be tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Add More Cheese!
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt into a glorious cheesy layer.
🌿 Optional Garnish: Add chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
🧀 Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
This slow cooker spaghetti recipe is super flexible! Here are some ways to customize it:
🌶️ Spicy Kick
- Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or spicy Italian sausage.
🧄 Veggie Boost
- Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini before cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
🍝 Extra Creamy
- Mix in ¼ cup of cream cheese or sour cream before adding the final layer of cheddar.
🧀 Cheese Swaps
- Replace cheddar with mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a flavor twist.
🐓 Protein Swap
- Use ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
🥗 What to Serve with Cheesy Spaghetti
Complete your slow cooker spaghetti dinner with these tasty pairings:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Because you’ll want to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Green Salad: A fresh contrast to the cheesy richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots go great on the side.
- Caesar Salad: Creamy, crunchy, and perfect with pasta.
📦 Storing & Reheating Leftovers
🧊 To Store:
Let leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
🔥 To Reheat:
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and reheat over low heat.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW for about 1 hour with a splash of sauce or broth.
❄️ To Freeze:
You can freeze cheesy spaghetti for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
📊 Nutritional Information (Estimates per Serving)
Based on 6 servings with ground beef and cheddar cheese
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: ~800mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked ground beef in the slow cooker?
It’s best to brown the meat first. This improves flavor and texture and reduces excess grease in the sauce.
Do I have to break the spaghetti in half?
Yes—breaking the pasta helps it fit better in the slow cooker and cook more evenly.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the meat and add in hearty vegetables or plant-based meat crumbles instead.
Will the pasta overcook?
Not if you monitor it! Check after 2 hours and stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking or mushiness.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Penne, rotini, or elbows work, but check for tenderness a bit earlier.
📢 Final Thoughts: A Weeknight Hero
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti is everything we love about comfort food—rich, cheesy, hearty, and deeply satisfying—but with none of the usual effort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknights feel special, and weekend gatherings feel effortless.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or a table full of guests, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. And best of all? It proves that with a little help from your slow cooker, real comfort food is always within reach.
📌 Save This Recipe!
Love this recipe? Bookmark it, share it with friends, or print it out to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation.
✔️ 5 Ingredients
✔️ 1 Pot
✔️ Endless Comfort
🔄 Recipe Recap: Slow Cooker Cheesy Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti (broken in half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Instructions:
- Brown meat and drain fat.
- Combine meat, sauce, and 1 cup cheese in slow cooker.
- Add spaghetti and stir to coat.
- Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice.
- Top with remaining cheese, cover for 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!