If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings back the warmth of community dinners, look no further than this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender spaghetti noodles, rich tomato sauce, and hearty ground beef all slowly simmered to perfection in your crockpot. Every bite bursts with flavor, making it a favorite at any family gathering or casual weeknight dinner. This is not just spaghetti; this is a delicious memory in the making.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element is essential, giving the dish its depth, color, and satisfying texture. From the savory ground beef to the melty mozzarella, you’ll find every bite offers layers of taste you’ll love.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides rich flavor and protein, the heart of this hearty pasta dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and a bit of texture to balance the meat.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with warmth and that irresistible aroma.
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce: The base of the sauce, bringing zesty tomato magic.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds freshness and juiciness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the dish’s complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick to round out the seasoning.
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half: The star noodle element, tenderness guaranteed.
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth: For simmering the pasta and melding flavors together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish stirred in before serving.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that gooey, cheesy crown.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that brightens every bite visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned through and the onions are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds your flavor foundation. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the pasta sauce and undrained diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together so every ingredient mingles perfectly.
Step 3: Add Spaghetti and Liquid
Next, add the broken spaghetti directly into the slow cooker, distributing it evenly. Pour the water or low-sodium beef broth over the top, and gently push the noodles down so they’re submerged. This ensures even cooking without dry noodles stubbornly sticking out.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Stir once about halfway through the cooking time to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Patience here rewards you with perfectly tender pasta soaked in robust sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Finish Cooking
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, cover again, and let it melt into a bubbling, cheesy topping that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a delicate freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the cheese and sauce. If you like a bit of extra zing, a dash of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of olive oil works beautifully here too.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini provide a healthy, crunchy complement without stealing the spotlight from this star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe in rustic individual cast-iron skillets for a cozy dinner party vibe. For a casual crowd, dish it straight from the slow cooker to the table with bowls of extra cheese and fresh herbs, encouraging everyone to customize their own bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or weekend meal prep. The flavors even deepen overnight!
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely if you want to save some for later. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that pasta can sometimes become a little softer after freezing, so slightly undercook if you plan to freeze.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Cover while reheating to keep the pasta moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works beautifully in this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe. It will slightly change the flavor profile but still offers plenty of heartiness.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers at the time you add the sauce. This boosts nutrition and adds wonderful texture without complicating the cooking process.
Is it okay to use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes, store-bought pasta sauce keeps this recipe incredibly simple and convenient. Choose one you love since it greatly impacts the final flavor, and consider a sauce with herbs included for extra depth.
What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked after 4 hours?
Slow cooker temperatures can vary. If your spaghetti isn’t tender yet, simply continue cooking in 15-minute increments, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired texture. Just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat for a party?
Definitely! This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe is ideal for making ahead. Cook it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and then reheat gently before serving. It’s a wonderful way to save time and still serve a comforting, delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe is one of those special meals that feels like a warm embrace on a busy day. Simple ingredients come together in a way that’s effortless yet utterly satisfying. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a big gathering, I promise this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and watch how fast those seconds (and thirds) disappear!
Print
Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or church gatherings. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce with Italian seasoning and tender spaghetti noodles, finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a hearty, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to reduce grease in the final dish.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add pasta sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Add Pasta and Liquid: Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the slow cooker. Pour in 3 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth and gently press the spaghetti down so it is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once halfway through to prevent the noodles from sticking. Check at 3 hours to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Add Cheeses: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the spaghetti warm for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Stir in chopped spinach or mushrooms during cooking for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Check the pasta doneness at 3 hours to avoid overcooking, which can make the noodles mushy.
