Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting a truly exceptional slow cooker spaghetti sauce! This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about rich, deep flavors that simmer to perfection with minimal effort. Imagine a hearty sauce, packed with the savory goodness of sweet Italian sausage and lean ground beef, while subtly incorporating healthy vegetables like zucchini and carrots. These veggies melt into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and nutrients without altering the classic taste everyone loves. You’ll find yourself reaching for this versatile recipe again and again, whether for a cozy family dinner or to prepare a large batch for freezing. It’s truly so delicious, you might even consider eating it straight from the pot – though, let’s be honest, nothing beats a generous serving over a bed of al dente pasta!
Table of Contents
- You’ll love this Crock Pot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
- Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients
- How to make Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
- Meat Sauce in Slow Cooker Subs & Variations
- Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Tips & Tricks
- Best way to serve Crock Pot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
- Spaghetti Meat Sauce Slow Cooker Storage
- Meat Sauce in Slow Cooker FAQs
- More Favorite Pasta Recipes
- Healthy Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Parenting often brings unexpected moments of brilliance, even from the youngest among us. I remember a Sunday at church nursery when my two-year-old, Truman, held up two pieces of a broken crayon – snapped no doubt by his own tiny hands – and declared, “Two halves!” His nursery leader later told me, “I’ve got kids in this class who couldn’t even tell you what COLOR that crayon is, and this kid’s over here doing FRACTIONS.”
I can confidently say he didn’t inherit that mathematical prowess from me. My dad, however, is a genuine rocket scientist. Perhaps intelligence skips a generation? (No, really, he designs lasers, and his lab is actively pursuing fusion energy. This is honestly the extent of my understanding; when he discusses his work, I typically just nod and smile.)
Actually, as I nod and smile, I often think to myself, “I truly have the best job ever.” My ‘math’ involves delightful recipe adjustments that result in culinary delights like my renowned Chocolate Cake, or luscious Raspberry Rolls, or this incredibly flavorful spaghetti sauce. If my high school algebra teachers had offered cupcakes for correct answers, I probably would have excelled in math far beyond what I did!
You’ll Love This Hearty Crock Pot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
Do you have a go-to spaghetti sauce that always hits the spot? As a kid, I admit, I wasn’t the biggest fan of spaghetti. But now that I’m older and embrace the sophisticated term “pasta,” it’s become one of my favorite meals! And this particular slow cooker meat sauce? It’s a game-changer.
Typically, I’m not overly enthusiastic about meat sauces. However, this one is different. It transcends the ordinary ground beef sauce by incorporating generous chunks of sweet Italian sausage. These savory pieces add incredible flavor and texture, almost like finding mini meatballs perfectly blended throughout the rich tomato base. It’s this delightful combination that truly elevates it beyond a standard spaghetti sauce recipe.
But the secret to its success doesn’t stop there. This recipe ingeniously includes hidden vegetables: a couple of carrots and a zucchini. Finely chopped, these healthy additions completely disappear into the sauce as it simmers, becoming virtually undetectable. The carrots contribute a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavor profile. Meanwhile, the zucchini adds a boost of nutrients without ever making the sauce taste like “vegetable soup.” The end result is a surprisingly light yet incredibly robust and amazing meaty slow cooker spaghetti sauce that your whole family will adore, even picky eaters!
My ultimate secret ingredient for achieving unparalleled depth of flavor is fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Have you ever tried them? They are incredibly good and impart a unique smoky sweetness that ordinary diced tomatoes simply can’t match. This subtle char adds an extra layer of complexity, making the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for days. While fire-roasted tomatoes truly enhance the dish, regular diced tomatoes will work perfectly fine if they’re not available at your local grocery store. No matter which you choose, this slow cooker spaghetti sauce is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation!
Essential Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce
To make this flavorful and easy slow cooker spaghetti sauce, you’ll need a selection of fresh and pantry staple ingredients. This comprehensive shopping list will help you gather everything you need to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. For precise measurements and detailed cooking instructions, please refer to the full recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the meats and aromatics, building the foundational flavors of the sauce.
- Sweet Italian sausage links: These are a star ingredient, offering juicy, flavorful chunks that elevate the sauce beyond typical ground beef.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base when cooked down, adding depth to the overall flavor.
- Garlic: An indispensable aromatic in Italian cooking, lending its pungent and fragrant notes.
- Ground beef: Complements the sausage, contributing a classic hearty texture and savory taste to the meat sauce.
- White wine: A key deglazing agent that adds acidity, complex flavor, and helps to tenderize the meats.
- Carrot: Finely chopped and hidden, carrots introduce a natural sweetness that balances the tomatoes’ acidity without being overtly noticeable.
- Zucchini: Another stealthy vegetable that adds moisture, nutrients, and subtle body to the sauce, disappearing as it simmers.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the smooth, rich base of the spaghetti sauce, contributing essential tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce, adding a concentrated umami punch.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Our secret weapon for a smoky, deeper flavor profile that makes the sauce taste like it’s been cooking all day.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that provides a shortcut to authentic Italian flavors.
- Thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty note that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and meat.
- Basil: Contributes a sweet, peppery, and aromatic flavor, foundational to any good spaghetti sauce.
- Oregano: Lends a robust, slightly bitter, and warm flavor that is quintessentially Italian.
- Brown sugar: Crucial for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a well-rounded taste.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with a subtle, aromatic background note that deepens complexity.
- Cayenne pepper: A tiny pinch adds a hint of warmth and complexity without making the sauce overtly spicy – it’s a flavor enhancer!
- Fresh basil: (Optional) A beautiful and fragrant garnish that brightens the dish just before serving.
How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
Making this irresistible slow cooker spaghetti sauce is surprisingly simple, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, complex sauce with minimal hands-on time. The key steps involve some initial searing and sautéing to build a strong flavor base, followed by the magic of slow cooking. Below is a quick overview of the process; scroll down to the recipe card for complete, detailed instructions and ingredient measurements.
- Sear Italian Sausage: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Remove the casings from your sweet Italian sausage links, then chop the sausage into bite-sized pieces. Sauté these pieces until they are nicely browned, which helps to develop a crucial depth of flavor before they even hit the slow cooker.
- Cook Aromatics and Ground Beef: Once the sausage is seared, push it to one side of the pan. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and ground beef to the other side. Break up the ground beef as it cooks, being careful to keep the sausage pieces larger to maintain their texture. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened, becoming translucent and fragrant.
- Deglaze with Wine and Transfer: Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This step, known as deglazing, adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Allow the wine to cook down slightly, then transfer the entire contents of the skillet into your large slow cooker.
- Prepare and Add Hidden Veggies: Use a food processor to finely chop the carrots and zucchini. The goal is to get the pieces small enough that they will melt into the sauce, essentially “hiding” themselves, without turning into a liquid. Add these finely chopped vegetables directly to the crockpot, where they will contribute nutrition and natural sweetness unnoticed.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the star ingredient: fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Next, add the dried Italian seasoning, thyme, basil, and oregano for that classic Italian aromatic profile. Stir in the brown sugar to balance the acidity, along with the bay leaves, a pinch of cayenne pepper (for complexity, not heat!), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Place the lid on your slow cooker and let the flavors meld and deepen. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow simmer is what transforms these individual components into a truly unified, incredibly rich, and flavorful spaghetti sauce.
Slow Cooker Meat Sauce: Substitutions & Variations to Make it Your Own
One of the most appealing aspects of a classic meat sauce is its incredible versatility. This slow cooker recipe serves as an excellent foundation, allowing for countless adjustments to suit your personal taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and truly make this sauce your own!
- Wine Alternatives: If you’re looking for a richer, deeper flavor profile, consider substituting the white wine with an equal amount of red wine, much like in a traditional Beef Bourguignon. The darker notes of red wine will add a more robust character to your sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can easily substitute the same amount of chicken broth or beef broth. Chicken broth will offer a lighter, savory base, while beef broth will contribute a more intense, umami depth, keeping the sauce flavorful and moist.
- Explore Different Ground Meats: While ground beef is a staple, feel free to switch things up! Ground pork will add a slightly sweeter and richer flavor, while ground turkey or chicken offer leaner alternatives for a lighter meat sauce without sacrificing protein. Each will bring its own subtle nuances to the overall taste and texture.
- Spice it Up with Hot Italian Sausage: For those who love a bit of heat, swap the sweet Italian sausage for hot Italian sausage. This simple change will infuse your sauce with a delightful spicy kick. If you opt for hot sausage, you might consider omitting or reducing the cayenne pepper in the recipe, unless you’re truly prepared for a fiery experience!
- Tomato Choice Flexibility: If fire-roasted diced tomatoes are unavailable or you prefer a more classic taste, regular or petite diced tomatoes can be used as a direct substitute. While you’ll miss the subtle smoky depth, the sauce will still be wonderfully flavorful thanks to the other ingredients.
- Visible Veggies Option: Instead of processing the carrots and zucchini until they disappear, you can chop them into larger, bite-sized pieces. This variation will create a more rustic, stew-like sauce where the vegetables are clearly visible and contribute more textural interest. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a chunkier sauce.
- Add Frozen Meatballs: To change the dynamic entirely, you can omit the Italian sausage and ground beef during the cooking process. Once your vegetarian tomato sauce is complete in the slow cooker, serve it over pasta with your favorite baked frozen meatballs added at the end for convenience and a different meaty texture.
- Creative Serving Bases: Beyond traditional pasta, this versatile meat sauce is fantastic served over creamy polenta, a comforting alternative that soaks up all the rich flavors. It also pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
What Meat Goes Well in Spaghetti?
Ground beef is, without a doubt, a classic and popular choice for spaghetti sauce, and for good reason! It’s generally affordable, widely available in any grocery store, and often something you already have stashed in your freezer. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile canvas for all the wonderful Italian herbs and spices. However, when you introduce Italian sausage, you take your spaghetti sauce to an entirely new level. Who can resist the incredibly rich and savory flavor of sausage?
Italian sausage is already seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices, adding an instant boost of complex flavor that transforms an easy weeknight dinner from basic to exceptionally gourmet in no time. The sweet Italian sausage, with its subtle fennel and garlic notes, brings a depth that’s hard to replicate with just ground beef. It adds juicy, substantial chunks to the sauce, creating a more satisfying and textural experience. I love keeping a pack of Italian sausage in my freezer specifically so I can whip up this amazing slow cooker spaghetti sauce whenever the craving strikes or I need a simple yet impressive meal. It’s truly the secret ingredient for an unforgettable meat sauce!
Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce: Expert Tips & Tricks for Success
This slow cooker spaghetti sauce recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, making it the perfect fuss-free crockpot dinner. To ensure your sauce turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some invaluable tips and tricks:
- Batch Cooking & Freezing: This recipe yields a generous amount of delicious spaghetti sauce, making it ideal for meal prepping. You can easily divide the batch in half, serving one portion now and freezing the other for a busy day in the future. One batch of this rich sauce provides enough to generously coat approximately 2 pounds of cooked spaghetti, perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring leftovers.
- The Power of Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Don’t underestimate the impact of fire-roasted diced tomatoes. They are readily available at most grocery stores and are a game-changer for this sauce. The subtle smoky depth they add makes a noticeable difference, imparting a nuanced flavor that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours longer than it actually has. It’s truly one of those “small things” that deliver a huge flavor payoff.
- Embrace the Carrots: Even if you’re not typically a carrot enthusiast, do not skip them in this sauce! When finely processed, the carrots completely disappear, leaving no distinct “carrot flavor.” Their crucial role is to contribute a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the inherent acidity of the tomatoes. This creates a more rounded, harmonious, and less sharp sauce, enhancing all the other savory flavors.
- Sausage Size Matters: Resist the urge to chop your Italian sausage too finely! The goal is to have distinct, mini-meatball-sized chunks of sausage. They will have plenty of time to cook through and become tender during the slow cooking process after being seared. These larger, irregular pieces offer a delightful textural contrast to the more uniformly crumbled ground beef, adding a satisfying chew to every bite.
- Effortless Sausage Casing Removal: Always remember to remove the sausage casings before you begin cooking the sausage. The easiest and cleanest way to do this is by snipping along the length of each link with kitchen scissors or shears, then peeling the casing away. If you happen to forget and the sausages are already heating in the pan, don’t panic! Italian sausage casings are perfectly edible and safe to consume. However, they tend to cling to the meat, making it difficult to break the sausage into nice, bite-sized pieces with a spoon. The quick fix? Turn off the heat, grab your kitchen scissors, and snip the sausage right in the pan. (No, this totally hasn’t happened to me… why would you ask?)
- Stain-Free Storage Tip: Tomato-based sauces are notorious for staining plastic containers. To prevent this, lightly spray your Tupperware or other storage containers with nonstick cooking spray before you spoon in the spaghetti sauce for refrigeration or freezing. This simple trick creates a barrier that helps prevent those stubborn orange stains, making cleanup a breeze!
Best Ways to Serve Your Hearty Crock Pot Spaghetti Meat Sauce
This rich and flavorful slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce is incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of bases and sides. While it’s absolutely divine served over classic spaghetti, there are many delicious ways to enjoy it, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.
For a lighter, healthier option, consider serving this robust sauce over zucchini noodles (zoodles). They’re surprisingly easy to make at home, even without a Spiralizer, offering a fresh contrast to the savory sauce. Another fantastic and comforting choice is creamy polenta, whether you opt for store-bought pre-cooked polenta or prepare it from scratch. Its smooth texture and mild flavor create a perfect canvas for the rich meat sauce.
If you’re looking for ultimate comfort food, a generous dollop of this spaghetti sauce over a bed of fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes is an unexpected but utterly delicious pairing that will quickly become a family favorite. To complete your meal, don’t forget some warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping and a fresh green salad to add a touch of freshness. The beauty of this slow cooker spaghetti sauce is its sheer convenience – it’s ready and waiting for you in the crockpot when you arrive home after a busy day, making dinner a breeze. Long live slow cooking!
Storing Your Slow Cooker Spaghetti Meat Sauce for Future Enjoyment
One of the many benefits of making a large batch of this delicious slow cooker spaghetti meat sauce is the ability to enjoy it later! Proper storage ensures that your hard work translates into convenient, flavorful meals for days or even months to come.
This spaghetti sauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, freezing is an excellent option, preserving its quality for up to 6 months. To freeze, you have a couple of convenient methods:
- Containers: Simply pour your desired portion sizes into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion as the sauce freezes.
- Freezer Bags: For faster defrosting and space-saving storage, pour the sauce into freezer-safe Ziplock bags. Lay them flat on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then stack them vertically to save space.
Regardless of your chosen method, always make sure to label your containers or bags with the date and contents. There’s nothing quite as disappointing as pulling out what you confidently believe is spaghetti sauce, only to discover it’s actually chili or another mysterious freezer meal! A little labeling effort goes a long way in preventing future culinary surprises and ensuring you always know exactly what deliciousness awaits you.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Meat Sauce
The terms marinara and spaghetti sauce are often used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences. Marinara sauce is characteristically simple and quick to prepare, typically made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basic seasonings like oregano and basil. It usually cooks in just 20-30 minutes and serves as a versatile sauce for pasta, a dipping sauce, or a base for other dishes. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, tends to be more complex and often boasts a longer ingredient list. It may or may not include meat, and there are endless regional and personal variations incorporating different meats, vegetables, and a broader array of seasonings. This particular slow cooker spaghetti sauce, for instance, includes finely processed carrots and zucchini for added nutrition and a more complex, balanced flavor, alongside both Italian sausage and ground beef for a deeply satisfying, hearty meal.
While both are rich, meaty sauces, meat sauce and Bolognese have key distinctions. “Meat sauce” is a broad term that can encompass a wide range of recipes, often featuring ground beef, pork, veal, or Italian sausage, or a combination thereof. In many American-style meat sauces, tomatoes and ground meat play equally prominent roles in terms of volume and flavor contribution. Bolognese sauce, specifically Ragu alla Bolognese, hails from the Bologna region of Italy and is defined by its meat-centric character, with meat unequivocally being the star. Authentic Bolognese typically includes a soffritto (a base of onion, carrot, and celery), several types of meat (often ground beef, pork, and sometimes pancetta), a small amount of tomato (paste or purée), and crucially, milk or cream, which lends a distinctive mellow, nutty flavor and a richer texture. It is traditionally slow-simmered for a long time to develop its profound depth.
You might be concerned that slow cooking will result in a watery sauce due to liquid released from ingredients. However, in most well-formulated slow cooker sauce recipes, the long cooking time allows for natural thickening without needing additional agents. As the meats, vegetables, and tomatoes break down and simmer over several hours in a covered slow cooker, moisture slowly evaporates, and starches from the vegetables (like the carrots in this recipe) contribute to the sauce’s body. The combination of tomato sauce, concentrated tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, along with the rendered fats from the meats, naturally creates a perfectly thick and rich consistency. There’s usually no need to add any cornstarch slurries or other thickening agents; the sauce will naturally reduce and achieve its ideal texture on its own.
Yes, sauces do reduce in a slow cooker, but the process is significantly slower compared to cooking on a stovetop. Reduction occurs as liquid evaporates. Because slow cookers operate with a tightly fitting lid and at lower temperatures, the amount of evaporation is minimized. However, over the extended cooking time (typically 6-8 hours on low), a gentle reduction still takes place, allowing flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken gradually. While you won’t get a rapid boil-down like on the stove, the long simmer achieves a similar effect of developing depth and body. For some very thin slow cooker sauces, a slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) can be added towards the end of the cooking cycle to achieve a desired thickness, but in this particular meat sauce recipe, the natural combination of meats, canned tomatoes, and finely chopped vegetables provides ample body and allows the sauce to thicken beautifully on its own.
A watery sauce in a slow cooker often results when the ingredients release a substantial amount of liquid, and there hasn’t been enough time or opportunity for that liquid to evaporate. This can happen if you add a significantly greater quantity of high-moisture vegetables (like zucchini, mushrooms, or fresh tomatoes) than the recipe calls for, or if you add too much additional liquid like broth or water. In this specific spaghetti sauce recipe, the suggested amounts of carrots and zucchini are carefully balanced to contribute moisture and nutrients without making the sauce thin. Furthermore, the inclusion of tomato sauce and concentrated tomato paste alongside the diced tomatoes is key. The paste especially acts as a thickening agent and flavor booster, ensuring that the sauce achieves a perfectly rich, hearty, and thick consistency, far from being watery. Following the ingredient ratios in the recipe helps prevent an overly thin result.
To achieve that authentic, irresistible Italian flavor in your spaghetti meat sauce, a thoughtful blend of seasonings is crucial. Classic choices include dried basil, oregano, and thyme, which together form the aromatic backbone of the sauce. Bay leaves also play a vital role, infusing a subtle, earthy undertone as the sauce simmers. A good quality Italian seasoning blend can provide a convenient shortcut to a balanced herb profile. You might be surprised to see brown sugar on the ingredient list, but it’s a brilliant addition; it doesn’t make the sauce sweet, but rather perfectly counteracts the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded and mellow flavor profile. Additionally, a small pinch of cayenne pepper is included, not to make the sauce spicy, but to add a nuanced depth and subtle warmth that enhances all the other flavors. While regular ground beef often requires a more extensive seasoning regimen, a significant advantage of this recipe is the use of Italian sausage. It comes pre-seasoned with a blend of complementary herbs and spices, contributing an incredible amount of complex, savory flavor from the start, truly elevating the entire dish.
More Favorite Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this slow cooker spaghetti sauce, you’re in for a treat! Here are some more of my absolute favorite pasta recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
Homemade Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo << If you’ve never made creamy, restaurant-quality Alfredo at home, this recipe is an absolute must-try! It’s unbelievably rich and satisfying.
To-Die-For Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese << Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort food experience: creamy, cheesy, gooey goodness, all effortlessly made in your crockpot.
20 Minute Broccoli Lemon Pasta Skillet << This recipe is the epitome of healthy, tasty, and easy. It’s a quick, meatless marvel that’s perfect for a light weeknight meal.
Lemon Pasta with Ricotta and Fresh Peas << A vibrant and hearty vegetarian pasta dish, bursting with fresh flavors. It’s especially perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring!
30 Minute Pesto Penne with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes << So incredibly fast and packed with flavor, this will undoubtedly become your new go-to recipe for those last-minute dinner emergencies.
And for more incredible vegetarian options from my talented food blogging friends:
Red Pepper Lentil Bolognese from Connoisseurus Veg << A fantastic plant-based take on a classic, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Farfalle with a Creamy White Bean and Roasted Garlic Sauce from Spoon Fork Bacon << A truly elegant and comforting pasta dish, perfect for a cozy evening.
PS!! I keep forgetting to tell you guys—I’ve created a dedicated “Top 10 Recipes Ever” page on my site! I’ll diligently keep it updated with the top 10 most popular recipes on The Food Charlatan, based on website traffic and reader favorites. You can easily find it in the menu bar at the top of the site, or simply CLICK HERE!
If you make this scrumptious spaghetti sauce, please snap a photo and tag #TheFoodCharlatan on your social media channels. I would absolutely LOVE to see your culinary creations!
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Healthy Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage links
- 1 large onion, or 2 medium, chopped*
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup white wine, I used cooking wine**
- 2 medium carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, roughly chopped
- 1 29-oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 6-oz. can tomato paste
- 2 15-oz. can Fire-Roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- pepper , to taste
- fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Remove the casings from the sausage and chop into bite-size pieces. Add to the pan and sear the sausage. Once it is brown (it doesn’t need to be cooked through), lower the heat to medium.
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Use a wooden spoon to move the sausage over to one side of the pan. Add the onions, garlic, and ground beef to the other side of the pan. Break up the ground beef, avoiding the sausage (you want bigger pieces of sausage).
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Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, until the ground beef and sausage are no longer pink and the onions are soft.
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Add the wine to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes or so until the wine has cooked down some.
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Scrape everything into a large crock pot.
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Meanwhile, use a food processor to chop the carrots. Get the pieces pretty small, but don’t do it so much that it liquifies it.
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I left the carrots in the food processor while I pulsed the zucchini as well. See photos.
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Add the veggies to the crock pot, along with the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
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Add the Italian seasoning, the thyme, basil, oregano, brown sugar.
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Add the bay leaves, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Stir everything together, put on the lid, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Garnish with fresh chopped basil. Makes about 9 cups.
Notes
**You can use chicken broth or beef broth or water.
Store leftovers in a tupperware that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.