Start by placing the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As they cook, use a spatula to break them apart into smaller pieces. You'll want to cook them until they are fully browned and cooked through, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. The aroma of the cooking meat will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water.
Once the meat is browned, carefully remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon. This ensures that excess grease drains off. Transfer the cooked meat to the crock pot, where all the magic happens.
Next, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and tomato paste into the crock pot. It’s essential to stir everything together until well combined. You’ll want to make sure that the meat is evenly distributed throughout the sauce, soaking up all those fantastic flavors.
Now, add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir once again to incorporate all the spices, ensuring that each spoonful will be packed with flavor.
Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat. Allow the sauce to cook for about 8 to 10 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty sauce. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 4 to 5 hours instead.
As the cooking time comes to an end, prepare your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. I love using spaghetti noodles for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, it’s time to serve! Spoon the rich sauce over the pasta, ensuring each noodle is generously coated.
For an extra touch, you can garnish your dish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This adds a pop of color and enhances the overall presentation.
Finally, enjoy your Crockpot Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The flavors are best enjoyed together, making every bite a delightful experience.
