If you’re craving the kind of homey, comforting meal that always steals the show at gatherings, look no further than Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti. This hearty dish brings together meaty, savory flavors with that signature slow-cooked tenderness, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want to feed a crowd with minimal fuss. Let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while you reap the rich, robust flavors only a long, gentle simmer can provide!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple by relying on approachable, everyday ingredients. Each one has an important role—whether that’s creating a hefty sauce, adding aromatic depth, or delivering classic Italian comfort to the table.
- Olive oil: A touch of richness for browning the meat and adding flavor to the base.
- Ground beef: Gives the sauce its heartiness and classic spaghetti taste.
- Italian sausage (mild or hot): Offers extra flavor, moisture, and a hint of spice; don’t forget to remove the casings!
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens into the sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves for a punch of aromatic, irresistible flavor.
- Marinara or spaghetti sauce: The backbone of the dish; use a good-quality jar or homemade.
- Diced tomatoes: Undrained, for bright acidity and chunky tomato texture.
- Italian seasoning: A simple blend that brings the herbs of Italy to every bite.
- Salt: To heighten all the savory notes.
- Black pepper: For balanced heat and depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add if you like a gentle kick!
- Uncooked spaghetti: Breaking the noodles in half makes them easier to stir and serve.
- Water or low-sodium beef broth: Extra liquid ensures perfectly tender pasta and a saucy finished dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For creamy saltiness stirred in at the end.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A final sprinkle for vibrant color and a fresh hit of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti
Step 1: Brown the Meats and Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, using a spatula to break them into small pieces as they brown. After 5 to 7 minutes, when the meat loses its pink hue, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for another few minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. This crucial step builds a flavorful base you’ll definitely notice in every bite!
Step 2: Get Everything Into the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sizzling meat and onion mixture straight to your slow cooker. Pour in the marinara or spaghetti sauce, dump in the undrained diced tomatoes, and scatter over the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice. Stir until everything looks beautifully combined and aromatic.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Sauce
Now, secure the lid and set your slow cooker on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. This hands-off time is where the magic happens! The sauce thickens, the flavors meld, and you’re free to prep for your potluck, relax, or tackle a to-do list.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Broth
When the time’s almost up, break the uncooked spaghetti in half and nestle it directly into the slow cooker. Pour the water or broth over the top and give everything a gentle stir to submerge as much pasta as possible. It may look a bit soupy at this stage, but rest assured, the pasta will soak up the would-be excess and turn perfectly tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Pop the lid back on and cook on high for 30 to 40 minutes. Be sure to stir once halfway through so all the spaghetti cooks evenly. As soon as the pasta is tender but not mushy, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for that signature creamy-salty finish. Serve your Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti piping hot, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti
Garnishes
Pile your bowls high and let everyone sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley, more grated Parmesan, or even a little crushed red pepper if they love heat. A small drizzle of good olive oil or a spoonful of ricotta will make each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For a true church supper vibe, offer a spread of breadsticks or a big green salad tossed with Italian dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For potluck-style serving, keep the pasta in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting to let guests help themselves. Or, for family dinner, try ladling the spaghetti into individual bowls and topping each with a swirl of ricotta and fresh basil. You can even layer spaghetti into a casserole dish, top with mozzarella, and hit it under the broiler for a bubbly twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack leftover Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti into airtight containers and stash them in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers something to look forward to for up to four days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for quick, hearty meals down the road. Simply spread cooled spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or reusable bags—flat is best for quick thawing—and freeze for up to 3 months. Try labeling with the date so you know when to pull it out for a busy night.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often and heat until piping hot; if reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage, and pile in more mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, meat-free version. You’ll get all the flavor and comfort, minus the meat.
What kind of spaghetti sauce works best?
Use your favorite jarred marinara for convenience, or go with a homemade sauce if you have a cherished recipe. Look for one with rich tomato flavor and Italian herbs to really let the Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti shine.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti before adding it?
No need! Add the broken, dry spaghetti straight to the slow cooker with the broth or water. It cooks up perfectly al dente right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor as it tenderizes.
Is there a way to make it creamy?
Certainly! For a luxurious touch, stir in a splash of cream, a few dollops of ricotta, or even a little cream cheese just before serving for Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti with a velvety finish.
How can I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Give the pasta mixture a gentle stir halfway through the final cooking step, ensuring all the noodles stay separate and are evenly coated in sauce. Make sure the liquid covers the spaghetti as much as possible when you add it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a dish that feels like a warm hug and brings everyone running to the table, you have to make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and tastes even better the next day—so don’t hesitate to dive in and make it the star of your next family dinner or community potluck!
Print
Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker spaghetti recipe, perfect for a church supper or a cozy family meal. This dish is easy to prepare and packed with savory flavors that will please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cans (24 ounces each) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook ground beef and sausage until no longer pink. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Drain excess fat and transfer meat mixture to slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, seasonings, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Cook Spaghetti: Break spaghetti noodles in half and add to slow cooker with water/broth. Cook on high for 30-40 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in cream or ricotta before serving.
- You can use ground turkey or skip the sausage for a lighter version.
- Great for potlucks and family gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
