There is something mighty comforting about a supper you can fix with just a few pantry and freezer staples, especially on a warm summer day when nobody wants the oven heating up the whole house. This slow cooker spaghetti rings and meatballs dish leans into that old-fashioned convenience cooking so many of us grew up with, turning canned spaghetti rings and frozen beef meatballs into a saucy, hearty meal that feels a little playful and a little nostalgic all at once.
This is a good one to serve with buttered toast, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden. If you want to stretch it for a bigger family supper, set out steamed green beans, sweet corn, or a bowl of coleslaw on the side, and for the little ones, a sprinkle of extra cheese on top always goes over well.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Spaghetti Ring Meatballs
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bag (about 26 ounces) frozen raw beef meatballs
2 cans (15 ounces each) canned spaghetti rings in tomato sauce
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then add the frozen raw beef meatballs in an even layer.
2. Pour the canned spaghetti rings evenly over the meatballs, then spoon the pasta sauce over the top. Gently stir just enough to coat the meatballs without breaking up the pasta.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a little seasoning: If your family likes a fuller Italian-style flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a pinch of garlic powder with the pasta sauce. It gives this simple supper a little extra depth without changing the ease of it.
Cheese swap: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but a handful of shredded cheddar or an Italian blend works too. If you want a sharper finish, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over each serving right before it goes to the table.
Watch the cooking time: Slow cookers can run a little different from one kitchen to the next, so start checking the meatballs at the shorter end of the cooking window. Since you are starting with frozen raw beef meatballs, they need to be fully cooked through before serving.
Make it stretch: For bigger appetites, serve this over buttered egg noodles or alongside toast for scooping up the sauce. It is one of those thrifty meals that can go a surprisingly long way when paired with a couple simple sides.