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How to Make Slow Cooker Marinara Ground Beef Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step enhances the flavor of your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat, then add the ground beef to the slow cooker with the onions and garlic.
Step 3: Add Marinara Sauce and Seasonings
- Pour the marinara sauce over the browned beef in the slow cooker. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together to ensure the beef is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, so feel free to let it go for the full 6 hours for maximum depth of flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Why This Recipe is So Good
The secret to this recipe’s amazing flavor lies in the slow cooker. Cooking the ground beef in marinara sauce for hours allows the beef to absorb all the spices and rich tomato flavor, creating a sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and deliciously hearty. The long cook time also makes the beef incredibly tender, so you don’t have to worry about any tough, chewy meat.
Another great benefit is the convenience of using the slow cooker. Once you’ve set it up, there’s minimal effort involved—no stirring, no babysitting over the stove. Just let it cook while you go about your day!
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread – Serve this hearty meat sauce alongside crispy garlic bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce.
- Salad on the Side – Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich pasta and sauce.
- With Roasted Vegetables – Try serving this dish with some roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Marinara Ground Beef Sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves pasta but wants a more flavorful, convenient way to make it. The slow cooking method infuses the sauce with rich, savory flavors, and the beef becomes tender and juicy. It’s a dish the whole family will love, and once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular pasta again. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a special meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Enjoy this easy, delicious, and comforting dish that’ll soon become a regular on your dinner table! 🍝🍅
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