Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

The slow cooker does all the simmering for you with this easy Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef. It makes a big batch and freezes beautifully!

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil  
• 2 lbs. ground beef  
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped  
• 5 large garlic cloves, minced  
• 3 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes  
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste  
• 6 Tablespoons (a heaping 1/3 cup) fresh chopped basil  
• 6 Tablespoons (a heaping 1/3 cup) fresh chopped parsley  
• 2-4 Tablespoons sugar, to taste  
• 2 teaspoons oregano  
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)  
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more, to taste  
• Fresh ground pepper

Cooking:

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef and onions, spreading them evenly over the skillet, and cook undisturbed for several minutes. Stir, breaking up the beef, and continue to cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat from the pan.  
2. In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, paste, basil, parsley, 2 Tablespoons sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir in the ground beef mixture and taste. Add salt, pepper, and additional sugar, to taste.  
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4.

Notes:

• Freeze leftover sauce in 3-3.5 cup portions in a freezer-safe ziploc bag.

Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat. 
• Separate raw meat from other foods. 
• Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat. 
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods. 
• Wash all produce prior to use. 
• Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes. Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. 
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips. 

For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.