Best 8 Slow Cooker Meat Sauce Recipes

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Are you looking for a simple and flavorful recipe to cook slow cooker meat sauce? This hearty and versatile dish is a must-try, whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook. With just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will be the star of your next dinner party or family gathering.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN MEAT SAUCE FOR THE SLOW COOKER



Italian Meat Sauce for the Slow Cooker image

Make and share this Italian Meat Sauce for the Slow Cooker recipe from Food.com.

Provided by princess_omayra

Categories     Spaghetti

Time 8h30m

Yield 1/2 cup, 8-16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small chopped onion
minced garlic
1 lb ground beef
1 lb sweet Italian sausage (I choose turkey Italian sausage as a low fat alternative) or 1 lb mild Italian sausage (I choose turkey Italian sausage as a low fat alternative)
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
3 ounces tomato paste
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley
2 teaspoons dry oregano
2 teaspoons dry basil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch white sugar
salt and pepper
1 cup of your favorite dry red wine (Shiraz or Syrah pairs best with red pasta sauces)

Steps:

  • On a large skillet heat oil on medium high heat.
  • Sauté the garlic and the onion until the garlic is golden brown and the onion is translucent.
  • Add the meats to the oil mixture to brown them; drain.
  • On a slow cooker, combine the meat mixture and the remaining ingredients and set in on low. Cook for 8-10 hours.
  • If you're in a hurry you can follow the first 3 steps and simmer the ingredients on a sauce pan for one hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.4, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 55.6, Sodium 1023.3, Carbohydrate 19.9, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 10.4, Protein 22.3

MEAT-LOVER'S SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Meat-Lover's Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce image

This creates a great, chunky, and very meaty spaghetti sauce. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes!

Provided by Ashley

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Meat Sauce

Time 8h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 small onions, chopped
¼ pound bulk Italian sausage
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried marjoram
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon white sugar

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onions and Italian sausage until the sausage is browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the sausage and onions to a slow cooker. In the same skillet, cook and stir the ground beef, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and marjoram, breaking the meat up as it cooks, until the meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer the ground beef into the slow cooker.
  • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, thyme, basil, oregano, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Set the cooker on Low, and cook the sauce for 8 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sugar. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263.9 calories, Carbohydrate 18.8 g, Cholesterol 45.2 mg, Fat 14.8 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 1025.1 mg, Sugar 13.4 g

SLOW-COOKER MEATY ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Slow-Cooker Meaty Italian Spaghetti Sauce image

If you've been searching for "the one," that is a reliably delicious spaghetti sauce that will please the family, freeze well and get better overnight, we humbly suggest this recipe. No hard-to-find ingredients here, just everything you'd expect to be in a basic red sauce. Before stewing to perfection in your slow cooker, this sauce does require a crucial couple minutes of skillet time. Taking the 15 minutes to brown Italian sausage and onions to golden-brown perfection doesn't just bring out the best in these ingredients, it also leads to a sauce that's considerably more delicious than it would be otherwise. And after you do it, it's just a matter of tossing all the ingredients into the pot and letting them simmer together into a rich and savory red gravy!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 8h15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lb bulk Italian pork sausage or ground beef
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (6 oz)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, onions, mushrooms and garlic over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
  • Spoon sausage mixture into cooker.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 90, Carbohydrate 7 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 450 mg, Sugar 4 g, TransFat 0 g

SLOW-SIMMERED MEAT RAGU



Slow-Simmered Meat Ragu image

After a day of simmering in the slow-cooker, this ragu is not your typical spaghetti sauce. It's almost like a stew, so feel free to skip the pasta. -Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 6h30m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 jar (24 ounces) tomato basil pasta sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
2 jars (6 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 jar (3-1/2 ounces) prepared pesto
1-1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup pitted ripe olives, halved
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 pound Italian sausage links, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
Hot cooked angel hair pasta

Steps:

  • In a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and onion; cook and stir until sausage is no longer pink and onion is tender. Drain. Add to slow cooker., Cook, covered, on low 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender. Serve with pasta. Freeze option: Do not cook or add pasta. Freeze cooled sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Cook pasta according to package directions. Place meat mixture in a large saucepan; heat through, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary. Proceed as directed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341 calories, Fat 20g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 1294mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 26g protein.

SLOW-COOKED SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Slow-Cooked Spaghetti Sauce image

I like to serve this homey dish to company and not just because it's easy and economical. I'd be lost without my slow cooker!-Shelley McKinney, New Castle, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 7h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound ground beef or bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 teaspoons dried basil
1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Hot cooked spaghetti

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. , Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker. Add the next 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until heated through. Discard bay leaf. Serve with spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 calories, Fat 5g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 546mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

SLOW COOKER BBQ SAUCE



Slow Cooker BBQ Sauce image

This Easy BBQ Sauce is from a family recipe that's been adapted for the crock-pot. A delicious Southern sweet and tangy sauce that's so easy to make, you'll never use store bought bottled sauce ever again!

Provided by Karrie | Tasty Ever After

Categories     Condiment

Time 5h10m

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 1/2 cups all-natural ketchup ({no sugar added})
2 cups water
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, (packed)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup onion, (finely chopped)
1/2 cup prepared yellow mustard
4 whole fresh garlic cloves, (peeled and minced)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5 slices fresh organic lemon
1-2 teaspoons liquid smoke, (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a crock-pot or slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours, then reduce to low and cook for additional 2 hours.
  • Remove lemon slices and allow sauce to cool before storing in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 296 kcal, Carbohydrate 65 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 6 mg, Sodium 2826 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 54 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SLOW-COOKER SUNDAY SAUCE



Slow-Cooker Sunday Sauce image

Whether it's called red sauce, sugo or gravy, you'll find a big pot of the rich tomato sauce simmering all Sunday long in many Italian-American households. Every family has their own version, but this recipe includes shreddy pork shoulder, sausage and meatballs. This slow-cooker version lets you simmer it overnight or while you're not home, and without splatters and stirring (though you can also make it on a stovetop). Once the sauce is done, coat pasta in the sauce, spoon the meats on top and serve it with a green salad, crusty bread and red wine. Sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to one week and frozen for up to three months.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, meat, pastas, main course

Time 8h30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
3 basil sprigs
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 3-inch chunks
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, or a combination
1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1/3 cup red wine
1 pound uncooked homemade or store-bought meatballs
1 1/2 pounds tubular or long noodles, like rigatoni or spaghetti
Grated Parmesan or pecorino, for serving

Steps:

  • In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes and basil sprigs. Season the pork shoulder all over with salt and pepper.
  • In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high. Working in batches if necessary, cook the pork until browned on two sides, 8 to 10 minutes total, adding more oil if the pan looks dry. Transfer pieces to the slow cooker as they finish. Add the sausages to the pot and cook until browned, 4 to 6 minutes total. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, if needed, and the onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the red wine, stirring to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot, and cook until the wine is nearly evaporated, 2 to 4 minutes. Scrape the onion-wine mixture into the slow cooker, and stir to combine. Add the meatballs on top. (It's OK if they're sticking out of the sauce.) Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the pork shoulder falls apart when shredded with a fork.
  • When you're ready to eat, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta boils, slice the sausage and shred the pork shoulder on a cutting board, and leave it there. When the pasta is al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and return the pasta to the pot. Over medium heat, toss the pasta with enough sauce to coat (about 4 cups), adding pasta water as needed until the sauce clings to the pasta. (Some meatballs might end up in the pasta pot; that's OK.) Return the sausage and pork shoulder to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker.
  • Divide pasta between bowls, then top with a bit of each meat. Pass the Parmesan and extra meat and sauce at the table.

SLOW COOKER SPAGHETTI MEAT SAUCE



Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce image

Adapted from AllRecipes recipe using ground turkey to satisfy my Weight Watchers diet. One serving of sauce is 6 points. Add points for pasta.

Provided by Freda2 Brown

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 4h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
0.5 (4 ounce) can tomato paste
2 (14 ounce) cans hunts diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 1/2 cups water
salt & pepper

Steps:

  • Brown turkey in olive oil over medium heat, breaking up with wooden spoon.
  • Add onions and garlic to browned meat and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
  • Pour all into crock pot.
  • Add all of the other ingredients EXCEPT the mushrooms.
  • Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, then turn down to LOW and cook for 3 hours.
  • Add sliced mushrooms and cook an additional hour.
  • Don't forget to salt/pepper.
  • Serve with whole grain pasta.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.8, Fat 12.4, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 78.2, Sodium 359.7, Carbohydrate 9.1, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 5.3, Protein 24.3

Tips:

  • Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck roast, brisket, and short ribs are all excellent choices for slow cooker meat sauce. These cuts are tough and full of flavor, and they will break down beautifully in the slow cooker.
  • Brown the meat before cooking: Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker will help to develop its flavor and give the sauce a richer color.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are all classic additions to meat sauce. However, you can also experiment with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
  • Add some herbs and spices: Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and thyme are all popular herbs to use in meat sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
  • Let the sauce simmer for a long time: The longer the sauce simmers, the more flavorful it will be. Aim to cook the sauce for at least 4 hours, or even longer if you have the time.
  • Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta: Meat sauce is traditionally served over spaghetti, but it can also be used with other types of pasta, such as penne, macaroni, or ravioli.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker meat sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a flavorful and hearty sauce that the whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give slow cooker meat sauce a try. You won't be disappointed!

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