Linda’s Old Fashioned Spaghetti: A Slow Cooker Symphony

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a good home-cooked meal but doesn’t always have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and convenient. This Old Fashioned Spaghetti, adapted from Linda’s classic recipe, is a lifesaver! It’s a traditional Italian-American dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. The inspiration behind this adaptation comes from my desire to make this comforting dish even more accessible to busy individuals and families.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use pre-made pasta sauce, I encourage you to embrace the freshness and flavor of homemade ingredients whenever possible. This recipe is so simple that there’s really no need for shortcuts. Plus, making the sauce from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a spaghetti sauce that’s bursting with flavor and richness. We’re talking a deep and savory tomato base, tender ground beef, and a medley of herbs and spices that create a symphony of flavors. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a truly satisfying sauce.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this flavor-packed dish:

• Ground Beef: Ground beef adds a hearty texture and a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Tomato Paste: This trio of tomato products creates a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
• Dried Oregano and Basil: These classic Italian herbs add a warm and herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the sauce for those who like a bit of spice.
• Red Wine (Optional): Red wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and adds a healthy dose of fats to the dish.
• Spaghetti: Spaghetti is a classic pasta that pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful sauce.

Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic tools to whip up this easy dish:

• Skillet
• Slow cooker

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until softened and translucent.
3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), red wine (if using), and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve: Discard the bay leaves and serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti.

Troubleshooting

• Sauce too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid of the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to an hour to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to thicken it quickly.
• Sauce too thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or beef broth to thin it out.
• Sauce too acidic: If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped zucchini.
• You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth or water.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Old Fashioned Spaghetti is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side salad and crusty bread. It’s also great for a potluck dinner or a casual family meal.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~400
• Fat: ~15g
• Cholesterol: ~50mg
• Sodium: ~800mg (adjust based on the sodium content of your ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~25g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Linda’s Old Fashioned Spaghetti (Slow Cooker Adaptation)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH

Yields: 4 servings

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply follow the instructions for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, then combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Q: Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked spaghetti sauce. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.