Slow-Cooker Slawghetti: Hearty Sausage Spaghetti Casserole

Slow cooker slawghetti is a simple, healthy dish where broccoli slaw softens into a spaghetti-like texture. This low-carb, paleo, and Whole30-friendly alternative to traditional pasta is easy to customize—use your favorite ground protein and add extra vegetables as you like. Instructions for preparing this one-pot meal in both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot are included below.

Table of Contents

Ingredients For Slawghetti

The core components are straightforward: about 12 ounces of broccoli slaw (store-bought is fine), 1 pound of ground protein, a 28-ounce can of crushed or diced tomatoes, plus onion, garlic, and seasonings. Swap proteins and vegetables to suit your dietary preferences—ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage all work well.

Ground meat (1 pound)
Broccoli slaw (12 ounces) or coleslaw
Crushed or diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
Onion (about 1/3 cup, diced)
Garlic (1 clove, minced)
Seasonings: Italian seasoning or another dried herb, salt, pepper
Oil (1 tablespoon, for browning if desired)

How To Make Slawghetti In The Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker

Tip: Browning the meat and onion first improves flavor. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high, add ground meat and diced onion, and brown for 3–5 minutes, breaking the meat up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Place the browned meat (or raw if skipping browning), broccoli slaw, tomatoes, garlic, seasonings, and any additional veggies into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or LOW for 4–6 hours, until the broccoli slaw has softened to a spaghetti-like texture.

Instant Pot

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté. Add oil, then the ground meat and onion. Cook 3–5 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion softens, breaking the meat apart. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Turn off Sauté.
Stir in the tomatoes and scrape the pot bottom to deglaze any browned bits. Add the broccoli slaw and remaining seasonings, mixing well.
Seal the lid and select High Pressure for 5 minutes. When the cook time finishes, quick-release the pressure.

overhead shot of uncooked slawghetti in a black slow cooker — before

overhead shot of cooked slawghetti in a black slow cooker — after

FAQs & Tips

What is Slawghetti?

Slawghetti is broccoli slaw cooked until it becomes soft and noodle-like, combined with a protein and seasonings to create a simple, low-carb one-pot meal that fits paleo and Whole30 approaches when compliant ingredients are chosen.

What is broccoli slaw?

Broccoli slaw is a shredded mix made from broccoli stalks and often includes carrots, red cabbage, or cauliflower. Regular coleslaw mix can be used as a substitute if preferred.

What type of ground meat should you use?

Use whichever ground protein you like: beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or sausage. To make a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the meat and add hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, tofu, or extra cauliflower.

Can you add in additional veggies?

Yes—mix in mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Adjust cooking time slightly if using denser vegetables.

How do you store leftovers?

Store chilled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What size slow cooker did I use?

A 3.5-quart slow cooker is used here. To serve more people, double the ingredients and use a larger cooker.

Spaghetti Alternative Recipes

Zoodles with Meatballs
Spaghetti Squash & Meat Sauce
Spaghetti Squash & Meatballs
Meat Sauce and Zucchini Noodles