Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Church Supper Spaghetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with classic Italian-American flavors. With layers of savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, this baked spaghetti casserole is easy to make and always a hit.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicspaghetti noodlescrushed tomatoesdiced tomatoes (optional)tomato pasteItalian seasoningdried basilsaltblack pepperred pepper flakes (optional)grated Parmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheeseolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Toss the cooked spaghetti with a portion of the sauce, reserving some sauce for layering.

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then add half the reserved sauce and sprinkle with half the Parmesan and mozzarella.

Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8-10 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 1 hour

Variations

Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.

Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.

Stir in a bit of ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier texture.

Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a fresh finish.

Make it spicy by adding hot Italian sausage or more red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Absolutely, use your favorite jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce for convenience.

Can I freeze the whole casserole?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding 20-30 minutes to the bake time.

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but you can also use linguine, penne, or ziti.

Do I need to cook the noodles first?

Yes, cook them until al dente before assembling the dish.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and load up on veggies or use a meat substitute.

What cheese is best for topping?

A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the best flavor and melt.

How do I prevent it from drying out?

Keep it covered for most of the baking time and don’t overbake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, great for feeding a large crowd or making extra for the freezer.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely! It’s cheesy, saucy, and simple—great for picky eaters.

Conclusion

Church Supper Spaghetti brings classic comfort and generous flavor to the table, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a cherished go-to for any occasion.