Now, I know there are a ton of Crockpot spaghetti recipes out there, but this one is super easy and has that perfect balance of creamy, comforting spaghetti you can feel good about feeding your family. And let’s be honest, when you’re busy wrangling kids, you want something that makes life a little simpler, right? That’s why spaghetti in a Crockpot is a lifesaver. Plus, you can even cook pasta in the Crockpot (yep, it works!) for an even easier dinner. You don’t have to worry about crock pot baked spaghetti or crockpot spaghetti recipes easy anymore. This is the go-to recipe for a hearty, comforting meal.

I’ve tried a bunch of crockpot pasta recipes, and this one always delivers. Whether you’re craving crockpot spaghetti, creamy spaghetti, or just looking for easy slow cooker dinner ideas, this spaghetti in a Crockpot will totally satisfy. It’s like a slow cooker spaghetti recipe with a twist, using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. Crockpot spaghetti in the Crockpot is a win every time — and did I mention it’s super simple to make? Let’s dive right in.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey (you can use chicken or even lean beef if that’s more your thing)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (we all have our fave brands, but go with whatever works for you!)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (I like using the ones with basil already in them for some extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (totally optional if your kids aren’t fans of chunks)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder if you’re in a rush, but the real deal is always better)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (again, adjust if you like things extra peppery)
- 1/2 cup water (just to make sure the sauce doesn’t get too thick)
- 8 oz spaghetti (yes, you’ll have to cook this separately, but it’s worth it, I promise)
- Grated parmesan (optional, but, hello, cheese makes everything better)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Turkey:

First things first — take a pan and cook your ground turkey over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. This step is totally optional if you’re feeling lazy (I get it, we all do), but I prefer browning the meat a little to add more flavor. So yeah, take a few minutes to do this and then toss the turkey into the Crockpot.
2. Add Everything to the Crockpot:

Now, here comes the magic part. Dump the turkey in the Crockpot, and then add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in 1/2 cup of water too (just to loosen up the sauce). Stir everything together and taste a little — if you need more salt or seasoning, go ahead and add it. My kids are picky about spice, so I keep it pretty mild, but you do you.
3. Set the Crockpot and Forget About It:
Now that everything’s in the Crockpot, put the lid on and set it to low for 6 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can put it on high for about 3 hours, but I love the slow cook method. It really lets the flavors marinate together. The smell will start wafting through your house and trust me, you’ll be getting hungry just from the aroma. Seriously.
4. Cook the Spaghetti:

About 15 minutes before the Crockpot meal is ready, cook your spaghetti. Follow the instructions on the package, and then drain the pasta. While your spaghetti is cooking, take a moment to put your feet up or, you know, deal with the endless laundry that magically piles up.
5. Mix It All Together:

Once the sauce is done, you can either just serve the sauce over the spaghetti, or you can toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the Crockpot and mix it all together. I like to go the extra mile and mix it so everything is coated in that delicious sauce. Top it off with some grated parmesan (or skip it if you’re feeling lazy) and you’re good to go!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, the fun part — time to serve it up! You’ll probably have a few hungry little people staring at you with wide eyes, waiting for their share. Serve it up in big bowls, maybe throw on a side salad if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy. You made dinner with minimal effort, and you’ve got a family that’s happy and full.
FAQ: Crockpot Ground Turkey Spaghetti
Can I cook pasta in the Crockpot?
Yes, you can! You can even cook the spaghetti directly in the Crockpot if you want to make it even easier. Just break the spaghetti noodles in half, stir them into the sauce, and add a little extra water or broth to make sure the noodles cook properly. However, I prefer to cook the spaghetti separately to avoid it getting too mushy. But, hey, it’s totally up to you!
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of turkey or just have beef on hand, feel free to swap it out. Ground chicken or pork also works, so you can customize it based on your family’s tastes. It’ll still be delicious, I promise!
How long can I leave this in the Crockpot?
I recommend cooking this on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You can technically leave it longer, but the pasta may get mushy if it sits too long. If you’re planning to be gone all day, I’d suggest cooking the spaghetti separately and just mixing it in when you get home.
What if I don’t have time to brown the meat first?
No worries! You can just toss the raw ground turkey into the Crockpot with the rest of the ingredients and let it cook. It might be a little less flavorful, but it’ll still work. Sometimes, you just need something that’s quick and easy — and this recipe can handle that!
Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
Yep! You can swap out the ground turkey for something like lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and you’ll still get that hearty, comforting pasta meal.
Crockpot Ground Turkey Spaghetti Recipe Card

Crockpot Ground Turkey Spaghetti
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 1 can tomatoes 14.5 oz diced
- 1 medium onion chopped optional
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 oz spaghetti noodles
- parmesan cheese optional Grated
Instructions
Cook the Turkey:
- Brown the ground turkey in a pan over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s no longer pink. Then, transfer it to the Crockpot.
Add the Sauce and Seasonings:
- Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion (if using), minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of water to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Set the Crockpot to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Near the end of the cooking time, cook the spaghetti noodles in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve:
- Once the Crockpot is done, you can either mix the cooked spaghetti noodles directly into the sauce or serve the sauce over the pasta. Top with grated parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Sneak in Veggies: If your kids aren’t big veggie fans (my 2-year-old is super picky), you can sneak in some finely chopped spinach or zucchini. It’ll blend right in with the sauce, and they won’t even notice.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeling like a boss, make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for later. Future you will be SO grateful on a busy day when you have zero time to cook.
- No Picky Eaters? If your kids are like mine and won’t touch a piece of onion, blend the sauce before putting it in the Crockpot. It’ll be smooth and nobody will know the veggies are in there.
I’m telling you, this Crockpot spaghetti is seriously one of those Crockpot pasta recipes that make life so much easier. You can make a spaghetti recipe that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, without all the work. And if you love Crockpot spaghetti recipes easy, then this one will definitely be a hit with your family. Even my picky eaters go for it every time!
So, next time you need an easy slow cooker dinner or want to try something new like spaghetti in a Crockpot or spaghetti noodles in Crockpot, give this recipe a shot. It’s simple, delicious, and will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ve got this, mama — dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be great. Enjoy!
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