Crock-pot® is the registered name of the first electric slow cooker, an appliance that provided a method of cooking that was widely introduced in the early 1970s. Countless recipes have been invented for slow cooking, including spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. Crock-pot® spaghetti sauce is simply sauce that is prepared in a Crock-pot® or similar slow cooker appliance.
One of the advantages of using a Crock-pot® to prepare spaghetti sauce is the method of cooking a slow cooker provides. Crock-pot® spaghetti sauce won’t dry out the way it might in a stove-top pan and the flavors of herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, and peppers, become more infused due to the longer cooking time. Slow cookers can improve taste and texture in sauces over stove-top preparation.
A simple internet search for Crock-pot® spaghetti sauce will yield numerous results to sift through, but home chefs can also use the official Rival Crock-pot® site or cookbook to view suggested recipes as well. There are a few things to consider before preparing spaghetti sauce, but another advantage to Crock-pot® spaghetti sauce is the ability to choose to incorporate the pasta or cook it separately.
One thing to consider before preparing Crock-pot® spaghetti sauce is cooking time. Suggested cooking times for most recipes will range from six to ten hours. As a result, a last-minute meal decision is not suitable for slow cooking. Also consider the size of the cooker. Crock-pot® typically range in size capacity from three quarts (96 ounces) to seven quarts (224 ounces). Crock-pot® cooking may not be suitable for feeding crowds of more than about ten people.
When using a Crock-pot®to prepare food, it’s best to leave the lid in place. Lifting the lid frequently allows heat and moisture to escape and may inadvertently increase cooking time. Except for where recipes suggest stirring or adding ingredients, avoid removing the lid. When preparing spaghetti sauce, in most cases it won’t be necessary to stir or add ingredients unless the noodles are incorporated for making a one-pot spaghetti or pasta dinner.
Whether using your own recipe or one you have found, Crock-pot® spaghetti sauce can be a particularly enjoyable culinary experience. Not only can the cook prepare the sauce while escaping the kitchen for the day, the smell of sauce becomes a welcoming aroma, especially on cold winter days. Many recipes use relatively few ingredients, some more specific blends of flavors, but all can be adjusted to personal preferences. Consider experimenting with different meats, such as ground sausage, turkey, or pork, as well as different spices and seasonings to create new flavors.