Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

$- 12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 24 ounces marinara sauce - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, including their juices - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) I often use ground beef for its rich flavor. It adds a hearty touch to the dish. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works great too. It keeps the meal lighter but still fills you up. The key is to choose a meat that you enjoy. This choice makes a big difference in taste and texture. Cheese brings the casserole together and adds creaminess. I love using mozzarella for its melty goodness. It creates those lovely, stretchy strands when you serve it. Ricotta adds a rich, creamy layer that balances the dish. You can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a twist. Just make sure they melt well for the best results. Start by cooking the meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once the meat starts to brown, mix in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook it all for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the meat is no longer pink and the veggies are soft. Drain any extra fat and set the mixture aside. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Be sure to include the juices from the tomatoes. Add in the dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix everything evenly. This step helps all the flavors blend together nicely. Now it's time to layer your casserole. First, put an even layer of uncooked spaghetti at the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, pour half of the meat sauce mixture over the spaghetti. After that, dollop half of the ricotta cheese on top. This layering helps create a balanced dish. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and let it cook for about 4-5 hours. The spaghetti should become tender and fully cooked. Keep an eye on it to ensure it cooks evenly. About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker again to let the cheese melt. This will give your casserole that gooey, cheesy finish that everyone loves. This method ensures a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. For the full recipe, refer back to the initial section. To ensure your spaghetti is cooked just right, use uncooked pasta. It absorbs all the flavors as it cooks in the sauce. This method keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. If you prefer it a bit firmer, you can reduce the cooking time by 30 minutes. Remember, it will continue to cook while resting. You can mix things up in many ways! For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also swap marinara for Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. If you want a veggie boost, throw in chopped spinach or sliced mushrooms. This recipe is flexible and fun to customize! When serving, scoop the casserole into deep bowls. This helps catch all the melted cheese and sauce. To add freshness, top each bowl with a few basil leaves. They bring a nice color and flavor. Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread to round out your meal. Enjoy your Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole! For the complete dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty meatless version of this dish. Instead of ground beef or turkey, use lentils or chickpeas. They both add protein and fiber. For flavor, add mushrooms or cooked spinach. These ingredients give it a hearty texture. Don't forget to keep all other ingredients the same. This way, you still get that rich and savory taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer great choices. You can find rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta. These options cook well in the slow cooker. Just follow the package's cooking time. Your casserole will still be delicious and satisfying. Adding extra veggies makes this casserole even better. You can include zucchini, carrots, or even kale. Chop them small so they cook well. Mix them into the meat sauce or layer them between the spaghetti. This boosts nutrition and adds more color. You can use frozen veggies too. They are easy and quick to add. Enjoy a meal that is not only tasty but also good for you. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. After enjoying your savory slow cooker spaghetti casserole, you may have leftovers. To store them, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the casserole before sealing it with the lid. This extra step helps keep the flavors fresh. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in several ways. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. You can also reheat in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts. Stir between heating for even warmth. If you want to keep leftovers for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy serving later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The casserole can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check the details at the start of the article. Yes, you can use different sauces. Try using pesto or Alfredo sauce. Each sauce adds a unique flavor. Marinara is classic, but mixing it up can be fun. You can even blend sauces for a tasty twist. The casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving. Yes, you can cook it on high heat. If you choose this method, cook for about 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta cooks properly. Cooking on high can save time while still making a tasty dish. If the spaghetti is undercooked, add a bit of water or sauce. Stir it gently to help it soften. Then, cook it for an additional 30 minutes on low. This should help the pasta cook through completely. You now have a clear path to making a delicious slow cooker spaghetti casserole. We discussed key ingredients, choosing the right meats, and the best types of cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the dish. You have tips for perfect pasta and variations to cater to different diets. Lastly, you learned how to store leftovers for later enjoyment. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen. Each experiment with flavors brings delightful results. Enjoy making this casserole your own!$

Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

Delight your family with this savory slow cooker spaghetti casserole that's irresistibly cheesy and packed with flavor! With layers of spaghetti, ground beef, marinara sauce, and creamy ricotta, it’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Ready in just 5 hours, this dish promises to be a hit at dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your mealtime memorable with this comforting classic!

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Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

24 ounces marinara sauce

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, including their juices

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Once the meat is beginning to brown, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink, and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set aside.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Layer the Casserole:

Begin layering in your slow cooker. First, distribute an even layer of uncooked spaghetti at the bottom. Next, pour half of the prepared meat sauce mixture over the spaghetti, followed by dolloping half of the ricotta cheese evenly on top.

Add More Layers:

Repeat the layering process with the remaining uncooked spaghetti and the rest of the meat sauce mixture. Finally, finish by dolloping the leftover ricotta cheese on top of the final layer.

Cook:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid, set the heat to low, and let it cook for approximately 4-5 hours, or until the spaghetti is tender and cooked through.

Add Cheese for Delicious Finish:

About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.

Serve:

Once cooking is complete, carefully scoop out servings from the slow cooker using a large spoon or spatula.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Garnish individual servings with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor contrast. Serve the casserole hot in deep bowls, allowing the melted cheese to create lovely stretchy strands as you serve it!