If you’ve ever dreamed of a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that practically makes itself while you go about your day, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of hearty ground beef, tender spaghetti noodles, and rich tomato sauce, all simmered together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re preparing for a church gathering or just craving a fuss-free family meal, this recipe promises layers of flavor and that nostalgic charm of a classic Sunday supper, all achieved effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, trustworthy staples that each play an important role in building the delicious taste, satisfying texture, and inviting color of this dish. From the savory ground beef to the vibrant marinara sauce, every item contributes to a meal that’s as easy as it is flavorful.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your favorite for hearty, meaty richness that’s the base of the sauce.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of fragrant flavor that elevates every bite.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce: The tomato heart of the dish, packing savory, herby goodness.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and a fresh burst of tomato brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients, balancing and bringing out their natural taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the sauce.
- 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth: Keeps everything tender and moist while infusing extra flavor depending on your choice.
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half: The star of the dish—the pasta cooks right in the sauce for unbeatable flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish that melts into every strand.
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of green and a mild herbal note for presentation.
How to Make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion. This builds a rich, savory foundation as the meat browns beautifully and the onion softens to bring out its natural sweetness. Adding the garlic for the last 30 seconds releases its incredible aroma without turning bitter. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too heavy.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your browned meat and onion mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water or beef broth. This combination creates a hearty sauce that simmers gently for hours, melding all the flavors together in a deeply satisfying way. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 3 to 4 hours—a perfect window for busy days.
Step 3: Add Spaghetti and Continue Cooking
With about 30 to 40 minutes left on the timer, stir in the broken uncooked spaghetti, ensuring the noodles are fully submerged in the delicious sauce so they cook evenly. Cover the slow cooker again and check halfway through to give the mixture a good stir, preventing sticking and helping the pasta soften beautifully right in the sauce.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan Cheese and Garnish
Just before serving, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring it in to create a creamy, cheesy touch that adds richness and depth. If you like, top with a sprinkling of chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve this slow cooker wonder piping hot straight from the pot—it’s a guaranteed crowd favorite!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a bit more grated Parmesan elevate the dish’s presentation and add a delightful freshness and extra savory notes. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a tiny kick, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread or warm, buttered rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness wonderfully, balancing the meal with bright, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist at your next church supper or family dinner, serve this spaghetti in individual bowls garnished with mini basil leaves or alongside roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition. Another fun option is layering the sauce and pasta in a casserole dish, topping it with cheese, and briefly broiling it for a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making for even tastier lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this spaghetti for up to 3 months by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Remember to leave some room for expansion, and thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, covering them to trap steam and heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe for a lighter version, just make sure to brown the meat properly to lock in flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
Is it okay to use dried spaghetti noodles directly in the slow cooker?
Yes, that’s the beauty of this recipe! The spaghetti cooks right in the sauce inside the slow cooker, absorbing all the flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can brown the meat and prep the sauce the night before, then refrigerate it. When you’re ready, just add the spaghetti and cook everything in the slow cooker for a convenient, hands-off meal.
What if my slow cooker cooking times are different?
Slow cooker temps can vary, so check your spaghetti noodles for doneness early if your cooker runs hot, or add extra liquid if the mixture looks too dry while cooking.
Can I add vegetables to this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be a tasty way to sneak in extra nutrition. Just add them along with the sauce and meat so they have time to soften and infuse flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen—and I hope it will be in yours too. It’s easy, comforting, and just downright delicious, with the kind of flavors that bring people together around the table. Give it a try for your next gathering or cozy night in, and watch it disappear in no time!
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
Description
Enjoy this comforting Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti, a hearty and easy-to-make family favorite. Ground beef and flavorful Italian seasoning simmer all day with marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and tender spaghetti noodles cooked right in the slow cooker. Topped off with Parmesan cheese and optional parsley garnish, this one-pot dish is perfect for a stress-free dinner that feeds a crowd.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti noodles, broken in half
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown Meat and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion becomes soft, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease before proceeding.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water or beef broth to create the base sauce for your spaghetti.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 3 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Add Spaghetti: In the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked spaghetti noodles, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. Cover again and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the pasta warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Break the pasta in half to ensure even cooking and easier stirring.
- Add extra beef broth or water if the spaghetti seems too dry during cooking to prevent sticking.
- For a cheesy variation, stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan.
