When you’re craving a hearty, cheesy pasta dish but don’t have the time (or energy) for a complicated dinner, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cheesy Spaghetti comes to the rescue. It’s quick to prep, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. With just pasta, sauce, meat, and cheese, you can create a rich, comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this recipe lets your slow cooker do most of the work. The spaghetti cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that meaty, cheesy flavor, while the final layer of melted cheddar adds gooey goodness to every bite. You only need four basic ingredients, but the end result is pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Only 4 Ingredients: No long shopping list—just simple pantry staples.
• Minimal Prep: Brown the meat and toss everything into the slow cooker.
• One-Pot Convenience: No need to boil pasta separately.
• Cheesy Comfort: Melted cheddar throughout for rich, creamy bites.
• Kid-Approved & Family-Friendly: Great for picky eaters and easy to customize.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 24 oz pasta sauce (your favorite jarred variety)
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, mix the cooked meat, pasta sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to fully incorporate.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Break the spaghetti noodles in half so they fit easily in the slow cooker. Add them directly to the sauce mixture, stirring to coat all the noodles with the sauce.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The spaghetti is done when it’s tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Add Final Cheese Layer
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a gooey topping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, straight from the slow cooker. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for a little extra flair.
Tips:
• Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend for different flavors.
• Extra Flavor: Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for a boost of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a nutrient bump.
• Meat Alternatives: Use ground Italian sausage or plant-based crumbles for a twist.
• Prevent Overcooking: Check spaghetti for doneness around the 2-hour mark—it can overcook quickly in the slow cooker.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as it sits!
Freezer:
This spaghetti freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or sauce if needed.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low with a little added sauce or broth to prevent drying.
• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Cheesy Spaghetti is your answer to a no-fuss, comforting pasta dinner that tastes like it took way more effort than it did. It’s cheesy, hearty, and totally satisfying—proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
