Step 1

In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, sweet pepper, celery, carrot, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off fat. Transfer meat mixture to a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker (see Tip). Stir in tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, water, tapioca, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.

Step 3

If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in spaghetti. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes more or until pasta is tender.