For a richer flavor, try browning the ground beef with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Consider adding other vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. If you don't have anise seed, a pinch of fennel seed can be used as a substitute. This sauce freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to partially blend the sauce before serving. Be careful not to over-blend.
Spaghetti Sauce from the Slow Cooker
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PREP TIME10 mins
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COOK TIME6 hrs 5 mins
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TOTAL TIME6 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING6 People
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VIEWS27
Transform your weeknight spaghetti with this rich, deeply flavored sauce, simmered low and slow to coax out maximum deliciousness. It's a simple set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate11 g
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Cholesterol72 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein22 g
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Saturated Fat6 g
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Sodium797 mg
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Sugar8 g
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Fat14 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
7 mins
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully cooked and crumbly. This should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly.
02
Step
5 mins
Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chopped onion, tomato paste, sugar, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, oregano, anise seed, and bay leaf.
03
Step
2 mins
Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Ensure the beef is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
04
Step
8 hrs
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on High heat for 3 to 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer and more developed the flavor will become. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
05
Step
1 mins
Serve hot over your favorite cooked spaghetti or other pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Holden Howe
May 18, 2025This sauce is amazing! So easy to make and the flavor is incredible. My family loves it!
Alaina Cruickshank
May 12, 2025I was skeptical about the anise seed, but it really adds a unique depth of flavor. I'll definitely be making this again!
Itzel Beatty
Apr 17, 2025I doubled the recipe and froze half for later. It's a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Larue Gleichner
Apr 9, 2025This recipe is a keeper! My kids, who are normally picky eaters, devoured it.
Fanny Cremin
Mar 17, 2025I added a splash of red wine to the sauce while it was cooking, and it made it even better!