If you’re anything like me, dinner time can sneak up fast, and the last thing you want is to slave away in the kitchen. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe — it’s truly a game changer. You just dump a few ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and before you know it, a hearty, comforting spaghetti dinner is ready to go. Trust me, this recipe has saved me more than once on busy nights, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: Just toss everything in the crock pot with minimal prep and let it do the work while you relax.
Hands-Off Cooking: No need to constantly stir or watch over the stove — perfect for busy days.
Delicious Comfort Food: Tender meatballs swimming in rich sauce with perfectly cooked spaghetti every time.
Customizable: You can easily swap herbs or add veggies to make it your own.

In a large black slow cooker, there is a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is rich red tomato sauce that fills the cooker, and the top layer consists of round, cooked meatballs that are lightly browned with a slightly rough texture, nestled in the sauce. Mixed among the meatballs are light yellow strands of spaghetti, some forming small loops and some slightly tangled, sitting on the surface of the sauce. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch of color. The slow cooker is on a wooden surface, with some green herbs and a white cloth with green stripes nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs, slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs, effortless crockpot dinner, easy family-friendly spaghetti, simple crockpot recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward, using pantry staples and frozen meatballs that make it so approachable. Plus, using olive oil and fresh herbs really brings all the flavors together and elevates the dish.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red spaghetti sauce, a few frozen meatballs with a frosty appearance, a small white bowl of clear water, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a neat bundle of uncooked spaghetti noodles, and a small white bowl holding freshly chopped green herbs (basil, oregano, and parsley), all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs, slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs, effortless crockpot dinner, easy family-friendly spaghetti, simple crockpot recipes

Spaghetti Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce — something with herbs and garlic that you love.
Frozen Meatballs: No need to thaw, which saves you time and keeps things easy.
Water: Helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.
Olive Oil: Coats the noodles so they don’t clump together as they cook.
Spaghetti Noodles: Break them in half if needed to fit them snugly in the crock pot.
Fresh Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley): These elevate the flavor — I love using fresh, but dried works in a pinch too.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe is — you can make it your own with just a few tweaks. I often experiment with herbs or add extra veggies to sneak in some greens.

Vegetable Boost: Adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach gives it a fresh twist and more nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like it with a little heat — my family goes crazy for this!
Meatball Swap: Use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap out spaghetti for gluten-free noodles; just check the cooking time as they might vary.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Base

Start by pouring the entire jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly to create a flavorful base that your meatballs and pasta will cook in. This is the foundation of flavor, so pick a sauce you really enjoy.

Step 2: Add Meatballs and Water

Next, nestle those frozen meatballs right into the sauce — no need to thaw, which saves you prep time. Then pour in 3 cups of water over the top. This might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s what cooks the spaghetti just right.

Step 3: Drizzle Olive Oil and Add Spaghetti

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil across the water’s surface — this helps keep the spaghetti noodles from sticking together. Submerge your spaghetti noodles completely into the liquid — I like to gently push them down to make sure they’re fully covered. If the spaghetti sticks out a bit, break the strands in half to fit.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Herbs

Sprinkle your freshly chopped herbs over everything. You’ll see how these little touches of basil, oregano, and parsley brighten up the whole dish — fresh is best, but dried works too if you’re out.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Every now and then, give it a gentle stir to separate the noodles and make sure they stay submerged. When the spaghetti is al dente and the water has mostly absorbed, you’re almost done.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you want to speed things up at the end, pop the slow cooker on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes to evaporate extra water. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is combined beautifully, and then dive in while it’s hot!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe

Use Olive Oil Wisely: Drizzling it on top helps keep noodles separate — don’t skip this step to avoid clumping.
Stir Occasionally: A gentle stir every hour prevents noodles from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Submerge Noodles Completely: Partial submersion can cause uneven cooking, so push them all the way down.
Don’t Overcook: Check noodles after 2 hours to avoid mushy spaghetti; cooking times can vary by slow cooker model.

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe

A white shallow bowl filled with a nest of thick yellow spaghetti noodles, topped with seven round brown meatballs coated in red tomato sauce. The tomato sauce covers some parts of the noodles lightly, with a sprinkle of white grated cheese and small bright green parsley leaves scattered on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some blurred green herbs and a piece of bread in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs, slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs, effortless crockpot dinner, easy family-friendly spaghetti, simple crockpot recipes

Garnishes

I love topping this spaghetti with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra fresh basil leaves. It adds that perfect pop of flavor and makes it feel a little more special — especially when you’re serving friends.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich dish. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is another favorite in my house — nothing beats mopping up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes serve the spaghetti in individual crock pot warmers right at the table for a cozy vibe. You could even layer it in mason jars for a picnic or potluck — it’s a fun twist that gets compliments every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this spaghetti before with great results — just cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This recipe freezes like a dream and still tastes fresh.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it covered, but I prefer the stove method to keep the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh meatballs will work great, but since they’re not frozen, you might want to check the cooking time, as it could be shorter. They’ll cook through while the spaghetti softens perfectly.
Do I need to stir the crock pot while cooking?

Yes, stirring about once an hour helps ensure that the noodles don’t stick together or to the sides, and it encourages even cooking. Just be gentle to avoid breaking the noodles.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

No worries — dried herbs work perfectly too! Use about half the amount of dried herbs (around 1 tablespoon) since they’re more concentrated in flavor.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?

You can, but keep in mind the spaghetti might cook faster and could risk being mushy if not watched closely. I recommend low and slow for the best texture, but high setting for 1-2 hours can work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners for a reason — it’s comforting, effortless, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, you’ll love how hands-off this meal is without sacrificing flavor. Give it a try tonight, and I’m sure it’ll earn a special spot on your weekly rotation too!

Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti with Meatballs Recipe

4.6 from 77 reviews

Author: Villerius
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time: 195 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Crock Pot Spaghetti Recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy classic spaghetti and meatballs with minimal prep. Simply combine sauce, frozen meatballs, water, olive oil, spaghetti noodles, and fresh herbs in your slow cooker, and let it cook for a few hours. The slow cooker ensures the noodles cook perfectly in the sauce while infusing with rich flavors, making for a comforting, hands-off meal that is perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Sauce and Meatballs

32 ounces spaghetti sauce (1 jar)
24 ounces frozen meatballs (do not thaw)

Other Ingredients

3 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces (1/2 package) spaghetti noodles
2 tablespoons freshly chopped herbs (basil, oregano, and parsley)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Add Sauce: Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly to create a base layer.
Add Meatballs: Nestle the frozen meatballs down into the spaghetti sauce, distributing them evenly. There’s no need to thaw the meatballs beforehand.
Add Water and Olive Oil: Pour 3 cups of water over the meatballs and sauce. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the water, letting it coat the surface which helps prevent the noodles from sticking.
Submerge Noodles: Submerge the spaghetti noodles into the water, ensuring they go through the olive oil layer and are completely under the liquid to aid even cooking and prevent sticking.
Add Herbs: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped herbs (or 1 tablespoon dried herbs) evenly over the top of the contents.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles remain separated and fully submerged.
Final Absorption: When the noodles are al dente and excess water is mostly absorbed, optionally turn the slow cooker to HIGH for 15-20 minutes to speed up water absorption and evaporation.
Serve: Stir everything together well and serve immediately for a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

Crock Pot Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal prep but delivers fantastic flavor.
Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents noodles from clumping.
You can substitute dried herbs if fresh herbs are not available, using about half the quantity.
Using frozen meatballs directly saves time and helps keep the dish easy and quick to prepare.
If you prefer, increase olive oil slightly to ensure noodles don’t stick, especially if using lower-fat sauces.