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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole
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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender spaghetti, savory ground meat, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish fills your home with delicious aromas and requires minimal prep, making dinner stress-free and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti Casserole Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked or slightly broken dry spaghetti noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 to 2 1/2 cups water or broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build a rich flavor base.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat and aromatics to the slow cooker. Add uncooked spaghetti noodles, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and enough water or broth to almost cover the noodles. Stir gently to evenly distribute the noodles and ingredients.
  3. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the spaghetti is tender but not mushy. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.
  4. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked spaghetti. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole for an extra savory boost. Serve warm, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Break the spaghetti noodles in half for even cooking and better fit in the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low temperature to prevent mushy pasta.
  • Add just enough liquid to cover the pasta without making the casserole soupy.
  • Add mozzarella cheese near the end of cooking to keep its creamy, melty texture.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and herbs after cooking as slow heating can mellow the flavors.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker dinner, spaghetti casserole, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, Italian casserole, one pot meal

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