On busy days, it is hard to beat a recipe you can layer into the slow cooker in just a few minutes and let dinner take care of itself. This kind of simple supper leans on pantry basics and freezer staples, giving you a cozy, family-style meal with almost no prep, which is exactly why it earns a regular spot in so many Midwestern kitchens.
Serve this with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or simple steamed green beans if you want to round things out. For a heartier meal, add roasted broccoli or Caesar salad on the side, and set out extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and a little fresh parsley so everyone can finish their own bowl the way they like it.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Dump and Go Spaghetti and Meatballs
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 lb dry spaghetti, broken in half
2 lb frozen Italian meatballs
2 jars (24 oz each) marinara sauce
3 cups water
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Directions
1. Add the frozen meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Break the dry spaghetti in half and scatter it over the meatballs.
3. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the spaghetti, then add the water. Press the spaghetti down gently so as much of it as possible is coated in liquid.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, stirring once or twice if you can, until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more, just until the cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For less sticking: If your slow cooker tends to run hot, stir once or twice during cooking if you are home. That little bit of mixing helps separate the noodles and keeps the edges from drying out.
For picky eaters: Use a smooth marinara without chunky vegetables, and save a little extra mozzarella for the table. A blanket of melty cheese makes this especially kid-friendly.
To adjust the texture: If you like a saucier pasta, add an extra 1/2 cup water. If you prefer it thicker, uncover the slow cooker for the last 10 minutes before serving so a bit of extra liquid can cook off.
To change the cheese: Mozzarella gives you that classic stretchy topping, but an Italian blend works nicely too. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the table adds a little salty finish.
To make cleanup easier: Give the slow cooker insert a light coat of cooking spray before adding the ingredients. It is a simple step, but it can make serving and washing up much easier later on.