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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole
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Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy hands-off dinner that combines tender noodles, rich meat, flavorful marinara, and melty cheeses into one delicious casserole. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, it offers customizable ingredients with minimal cleanup and superb flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into smaller pieces
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or plant-based crumbles)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • Additional veggies like zucchini, spinach, or carrots as desired

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, for spice)
  • Fresh basil or chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. This step adds rich flavor to the casserole base.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Set your slow cooker to low. Add the browned meat mixture, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add Spaghetti Noodles: Break the spaghetti noodles in half and layer them evenly over the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Press gently to submerge the noodles slightly, allowing them to soak up the sauce while cooking.
  4. Cook on Low for 3 to 4 Hours: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat. This slow cooking softens the noodles perfectly and blends the flavors deeply.
  5. Stir in Ricotta and Top with Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, gently fold in the ricotta or cottage cheese throughout the casserole. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly on top to create a golden, bubbly cheese layer as it finishes cooking.
  6. Serve Warm and Enjoy: When the cheese is melted and bubbly, scoop out portions and serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley and optional crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and color.

Notes

  • Pre-soak spaghetti noodles in warm water for 10 minutes if you want extra tender results.
  • Cook on low heat to allow flavors to meld and avoid mushy noodles.
  • Browning the meat intensifies flavor and improves texture—don’t skip this step.
  • Add cheeses toward the end of cooking to keep them creamy and melty instead of rubbery.
  • Stir gently when folding in cheese or mixing noodles to prevent them from breaking apart.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make a gluten-free version of this casserole.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently in microwave or oven with a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, spaghetti casserole, easy dinner, family meal, one pot, comfort food, hearty casserole, make ahead

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