Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 lb Ground beef, lean
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans Tomatoes (1 lb-12 oz. each)
• 1 can Tomato paste (4 oz)
• 6 oz Water (optional)
• 2 Stalks celery with tops, chopped
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp MSG (optional)
• 3 tsp Oregano, crushed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put all the ingredients in the crockpot and stir thoroughly to combine.
2. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 10 to 18 hours. Cooking time can vary based on your crockpot model and desired level of tenderness. For quicker cooking, you can also cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours.
3. Once the sauce is ready, serve it over cooked spaghetti.
4. If desired, sprinkle the spaghetti and sauce with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
5. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch.

This slow-cooked Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef is a convenient and flavorful way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a rich and delicious sauce that complements the spaghetti perfectly.

Here are some delightful options to try:

1. Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce: Replace the ground beef with a combination of chopped mushrooms, diced bell peppers, and zucchini. Add cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein. Season with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
2. Spicy Spaghetti Sauce: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra spicy twist.
3. Mediterranean Spaghetti Sauce: Mix in Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and capers to the sauce. Season with Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, marjoram, and parsley. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
4. Chunky Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini to the sauce for a chunky and colorful texture. Consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or tomato chunks for extra juiciness.
5. Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce: Simmer the ground beef in a mixture of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add diced carrots, celery, and onions for depth of flavor. Season with dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
6. Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms and garlic in butter or olive oil. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a rich and creamy texture. Season with nutmeg and black pepper.
7. Roasted Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce: Roast diced eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in the oven until caramelized and tender. Blend the roasted vegetables with tomato sauce for a flavorful sauce.
8. Pesto Spaghetti Sauce: Toss cooked spaghetti in homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. Top with sautéed ground beef and cherry tomatoes for a fresh and vibrant twist.
9. Tex-Mex Spaghetti Sauce: Add black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the sauce. Season with Tex-Mex spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
10. Asian-inspired Spaghetti Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the sauce. Add cooked ground beef and sliced scallions. Serve with cooked spaghetti and top with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired fusion dish.