Dinner

Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti Recipe

ByElara Stone February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

Introduction

Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Rich meat sauce simmers slowly before being combined with tender noodles and creamy cheeses for a deliciously satisfying dish.

A white bowl holds a serving of spaghetti layered with a reddish-brown tomato meat sauce as the bottom layer, topped with melted, creamy white cheese that stretches and drapes over the pasta. On top of the pasta are two slices of toasted bread with a golden brown color and specks of dried herbs, placed leaning against each other. A woman's hand with pink nail polish holds the bowl, and in the background, a slow cooker with more pasta and melted cheese inside is visible, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

48 oz. pasta sauce (such as Ragu Old World Style, Newman’s Own Marinara, or Rao’s Marinara)
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 minced garlic clove
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1 lb. spaghetti noodles (uncooked)
4 oz. cream cheese (1/2 cup)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Pour the jars of pasta sauce into the slow cooker. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion together. When the meat is fully browned, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat, then stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours, avoiding opening the lid during the cooking time.
Step 3: Once the sauce has cooked, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to package directions on the stovetop—typically boiling for about 8 minutes. The noodles will continue to cook in the slow cooker later.
Step 4: Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, then flatten the noodles evenly in the sauce.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and salt. The cream cheese may have small chunks, which is fine.
Step 6: Dollop the cream cheese and ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, then use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 7: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious slow cooker baked spaghetti!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while browning.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different taste.
Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for more veggies.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish also freezes well; freeze in portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a clump of cooked spaghetti pasta coated in a reddish-orange sauce with small bits of spices and herbs. The pasta strands are thick and twisted, being held by silver metal tongs. In the blurred background, more spaghetti sits inside a black cooking pot. A woman's hand holds the tongs on the left side of the image against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the sauce and meat mixture in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Then proceed with adding the noodles and cheese as directed, and finish baking in the oven until bubbly.

Do I need to cook the spaghetti noodles before adding them to the slow cooker?

Yes, boiling the noodles first ensures they reach the right tenderness. They will finish cooking in the slow cooker when combined with the sauce and cheese.