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How to Make Jar Spaghetti Sauce Taste Like It's Homemade!

How to Make Jar Spaghetti Sauce Taste Like It's Homemade!

September 16, 2025
Easy Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce with Pantry Staples for Busy Families On a Budget
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian, Pasta
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs Ground beef - browned and drained
  • 2 24oz Jars of spaghetti or tomato-based pasta sauce
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Johnny's Garlic Spread Seasoning - or your preferred brand
  • ½ tsp Dried red pepper flakes - Optional - if you want to add some heat

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Pro with Slow Cooker function
  • Large skillet or Instant Pot insert
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Ladle for serving

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef:
    In a skillet (or if you’re using the Instant Pot you can use the Sauté function), cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain off extra fat.
  2. Step 2 – Load the slow cooker
    Transfer the beef into your slow cooker or Instant Pot with slow cooker function.
  3. Step 3 – Add sauce and seasonings
    Pour in both jars of pasta sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic spread seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until combined.
  4. Slow cook the magic
    In a standard slow cooker: cook on LOW for 8–10 hours.
    In the Instant Pot slow cook function: cook on HIGH for 8–10 hours.
  5. Serve
    Stir before serving. Ladle over fresh pasta and enjoy!

Notes

 

Budget Tip

If you really need to stretch the meal, toss the cooked pasta straight into the pot at the end and mix it all together. It goes further than plating pasta and spooning sauce on top.

 

Storage

  • Fridge: Keeps up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Store in freezer bags or containers for up to 1 month. Reheat in a saucepan or back in the slow cooker.
 
 

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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