Slow Cooker Spicy Meat Sauce with Sausage and Ground Beef
A hearty, crowd-pleasing meat sauce that combines spicy sausages with ground beef in a rich tomato base. Enhanced with red wine and aromatic herbs, this sauce develops deep, complex flavors during its slow-cooker journey. The addition of diced sausages creates interesting texture variations while brown sugar balances the acidity. Perfect for feeding large groups at gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep sessions. The extended cooking time allows all ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a robust sauce that pairs wonderfully with any pasta shape.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, diced(optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 3 large spicy flavored sausages or hot dogs, diced into small pieces
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 28-oz. cans diced tomatoes
- 2 5.5-oz. cans tomato paste
- 40 ounces Gefen Tomato Sauce
- ½ cup chicken soup or Manischewitz Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Alfasi Cabernet Sauvignon or other dry red wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oil in a large frying pan and sauté onions and garlic with green pepper until just lightly browned
- 2
Add the diced sausage and ground meat and cook over medium heat until the meat is browned, breaking up any lumps with a potato masher as it cooks
- 3
Transfer meat mixture to a slow cooker and add all remaining ingredients, mixing well
- 4
Cook on medium for six to eight hours
- 5
Remove bay leaves before serving and serve with pasta, topped with freshly chopped basil or parsley leaves
Tips
Use a potato masher while browning the meat to ensure even texture and prevent large chunks from forming
Let the sauce rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and thicken slightly before serving
Double the recipe and freeze half in portions for quick weeknight meals - it keeps well for up to 3 months
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers or freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags
Can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated - flavors actually improve with time
Serve hot over pasta with fresh herbs and grated cheese
Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning the meat properly to avoid bland flavor
Remove bay leaves before serving to prevent choking hazard
Avoid cooking on high heat which can make the sauce watery
Substitutions
high
FAQ
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of slow cooker?
Yes, simmer covered on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally and adding liquid if needed to prevent sticking.
What pasta works best with this hearty sauce?
Robust shapes like rigatoni, penne, or shells work well, but any pasta will do. Use about 1 pound pasta for this sauce amount.
Can I freeze this meat sauce for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cool completely then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently.