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
Scale
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.
