This Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Is Comfort Food Made Easy by Jan Mostrom

I'm always looking for easy comfort food recipes to make for friends and family. I love this slow-cooker spaghetti casserole recipe because it's easy and delicious, and it's pure comfort food. Sometimes, that's just what you need. 

The ingredient list is short for this savory pasta recipe: ground beef, onions, fresh garlic, spaghetti noodles, your favorite jarred marinara sauce, canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning and freshly grated cheese for the top. The simple ingredients combine to make a decadent dinner to dive into. And if you're lucky, there will be leftovers for tomorrow!

You can try this slow-cooker recipe in the oven as well. Just cook the pasta to al dente before assembling the layers. In either case, you'll love how easy this Italian-inspired spaghetti casserole is to make for friends and family. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables.

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Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours 
Total Time: 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (or 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti, broken into pieces
• 24 ounces (1 jar) marinara sauce
• 14 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes (regular or fire-roasted tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Recipe Notes

• To spice it up, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Instead of cheddar cheese, you can try this recipe with mozzarella or another favorite cheese.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Turn the slow cooker on low heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet. Use a paper towel to get rid of the excess fat from the mixture. Place half of the meat and onions in the bottom of the slow cooker.
   
2. Add all the spaghetti pieces on top.
   
3. Add the remaining meat and onions.
   
4. Wipe the skillet off to get rid of the extra fat and then combine sauce, tomatoes, seasonings and 1/2 cup of water and pour over meat.
   
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
   
6. Cover the slow cooker.
   
7. Cook for 2 to 4 hours on low until the mixture is melted and warm. My slow cooker is quite warm and was done in just 2 1/2 hours.
   
8. Transfer to bowls and serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top.
   
   
   

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