How long will dry pasta take to cook in a slow cooker?

On Low heat , spaghetti cooks in about 4 hours . If you use thicker pasta, like rigatoni or ziti, you may need 30–45 minutes more. Always let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to firm it up.

Can I do a pasta bake in the slow cooker?

Yes. A slow cooker spaghetti casserole is essentially a hands-off pasta bake. You still get the cheesy, layered effect of traditional baked casseroles without heating your oven.

Can you throw uncooked pasta in a crockpot?

Absolutely. Just ensure there’s enough sauce and moisture. Avoid stirring mid-cook, and stick to the recommended time and low setting. The pasta will turn out tender and perfectly infused with flavor.

Can you put raw spaghetti in a slow cooker?

Yes, and it's one of the best parts of this recipe. When layered with enough liquid (sauce, tomatoes, and a bit of water), raw spaghetti will cook slowly and soak up all the flavors. There's no need to pre-boil.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole – The Best Cheesy Family Dinner

Description

Slow Cooker Spaghetti Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, no-boil pasta dinner made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce—all cooked to perfection in one pot.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into thirds
1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (14.5-oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup water
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until crumbled and no longer pink. Drain the fat and return the meat to the skillet.
Stir in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), water, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Spoon half of the meat mixture into the bottom.
Top with the uncooked spaghetti, broken into thirds. Then layer the remaining meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
Let the casserole sit uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free alternative, but check cook time as it may vary.
Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 650
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1240mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: slow cooker spaghetti casserole, crockpot pasta, cheesy spaghetti bake, no boil spaghetti casserole, crockpot casserole dinner