Dump broken dry spaghetti in the crock and 5 other ingredients to get a meal so delicious your husband will be begging for more every week.

Ingredients

12 ounces dry spaghetti, broken into thirds

1 pound ground beef

1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

3 cups beef broth

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Lightly grease the slow cooker if needed, then spread the broken dry spaghetti across the bottom. Spoon the browned beef over the noodles.

3. Pour in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Press the spaghetti down gently so the noodles are mostly covered by liquid.

4. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if your slow cooker runs hot, until the spaghetti is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. 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

Make It Meatier: If your family likes an extra hearty supper, use 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef instead of 1 pound. You may want to add an extra splash of broth so the noodles stay nicely covered while they cook.

Swap the Cheese: Mozzarella gives you that soft, melty finish, but an Italian blend or a little sharp cheddar will change the character in a tasty way. Use whatever you have on hand, which is often how the best weeknight meals come together.

Watch Your Cooker: Slow cookers all behave a little differently. Start checking the spaghetti at the 2 1/2 hour mark so the noodles do not go too soft, especially in a hotter crock.

Add a Little Flavor Boost: Even with just six ingredients, you can tuck in a spoonful of Italian seasoning, a pinch of garlic powder, or a few red pepper flakes if your pantry allows. Those little touches can make the sauce taste even more homemade.

For Easier Serving: Stir the finished spaghetti well before spooning it onto plates. Because the noodles are broken, the casserole-style texture settles together beautifully and makes this dish especially easy to serve to a crowd or pass around the table.