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The Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty dish. It mixes pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese. You can enjoy it any night of the week. This dish is simple to make and even easier to love. Here’s what you need for this recipe: - 12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 24 ounces marinara sauce - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) Feel free to customize your casserole. You can add: - Sliced mushrooms for extra flavor - Spinach for a healthy boost - Zucchini for added texture - Red pepper flakes for some heat Experiment and find what you love! Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey to the pan. Cook it until it turns brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. As the meat cooks, add in the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Stir these together, letting the flavors mix. Once the meat is no longer pink and the veggies are soft, drain any extra fat from the pan. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with the marinara sauce. Next, add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Toss in the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon to mix everything well. This step is key. It helps blend all the tastes together, making the dish more flavorful. Now it’s time to build the layers in your slow cooker. Start with a layer of uncooked spaghetti at the bottom. Pour half of the meat sauce mixture over the spaghetti. Then, dollop half of the ricotta cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce. Finish by adding the leftover ricotta cheese on top. This layering keeps the flavors moving throughout the dish. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook for 4 to 5 hours. Check the spaghetti around the 4-hour mark. It should be tender and full of flavor. About 30 minutes before it is done, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker again to let the cheese melt and bubble. After it’s ready, carefully scoop servings from the slow cooker and enjoy! To get the best texture for your casserole, cook it on low heat. This method gives the spaghetti time to soak up the sauce. Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you cook it too long, the pasta might become mushy. To avoid this, check the spaghetti for doneness around the 4-hour mark. It should be tender but still hold its shape. Adding cheese is one of my favorite parts! About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker to trap the heat. This action helps the cheese melt evenly. If you want a crispy top, you can briefly broil it in your oven. Just watch it closely to prevent burning. Serve the casserole hot in deep bowls. This makes it easy to scoop and enjoy. For a pop of color, garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves. The bright green makes the dish look stunning. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This extra touch adds flavor and makes it even more inviting. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through each step. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian dish, swap the meat for veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies add great flavor and nutrition. You can also add beans for protein. Black beans or chickpeas work well. This makes the dish hearty without meat. You’ll still get a rich taste with marinara sauce. You can switch the protein in this casserole for variety. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes. If you prefer a richer flavor, try Italian sausage. Just make sure to cook it first. For a fun twist, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Each option gives a unique taste. Experiment with what you enjoy most! Adjust the flavor to suit your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you like it tangy, mix in some balsamic vinegar. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Try adding parsley or thyme to enhance the flavor. You can also play with cheese. Parmesan or feta can add a nice touch. My favorite way to do this is by using a mix of cheeses. It makes every bite a new delight. For the detailed recipe and ingredient list, check the Full Recipe. After you finish your Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole, let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long it has been there. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container. You can also use a heavy-duty freezer bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. Remember to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavor intact. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works well too. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your casserole just like it was fresh! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You should cook spaghetti in a slow cooker for about 4 to 5 hours on low. This allows the pasta to soak up the sauce and flavors. If you prefer a firmer texture, check it at 4 hours. If you want it softer, let it cook longer. Yes, you can use whole wheat spaghetti. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Keep in mind that whole wheat pasta may cook a bit faster than regular pasta. Check it a little earlier to avoid mushiness. To prevent mushy spaghetti, avoid overcooking it. Layer uncooked spaghetti at the bottom, and don’t stir it too much. The slow cooker will cook it gently in the sauce. You can also add more sauce if needed, as this keeps the texture just right. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just pop it in the slow cooker. This makes dinner easy and stress-free! For the full recipe, check out the main article. This blog post covered how to make an easy slow cooker casserole. We explored each ingredient, from meat to optional add-ins. Then, I shared step-by-step cooking methods and tips for perfect results. We also looked at variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Think of this casserole as a canvas. You can customize it however you like. Enjoy trying new flavors and textures. Happy cooking!

Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole! Packed with layers of spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese, this easy recipe is perfect for busy days. Just 15 minutes of prep time and let your slow cooker do the work. Whether for family dinners or meal prep, dive into a delicious dish that warms the soul. Click to explore the full recipe and make this hearty casserole tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces spaghetti, uncooked

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

24 ounces marinara sauce

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, adding the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

    Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.

      Layer the Casserole: Begin by placing a layer of uncooked spaghetti at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour half of the meat sauce mixture over the spaghetti, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese on top.

        Add More Layers: Repeat the layer with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce mixture. Finish with the leftover ricotta cheese on top.

          Cook: Cover the slow cooker, setting it to low and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the spaghetti is tender.

            Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt and bubble.

              Serve: Once done, carefully scoop servings from the slow cooker.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for a delightful pop of color and flavor. Serve hot in deep bowls, allowing the cheese to stretch beautifully when served.