Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Effortless Cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work—no constant stirring required.
✔ Rich & Hearty – A savory meat sauce and gooey cheese make every bite irresistible.
✔ One-Pot Wonder – Fewer dishes mean easy cleanup.
✔ Customizable – Add veggies, spices, or extra toppings to suit your taste.
✔ Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, comforting dish.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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4 cups cooked spaghetti (about 8 oz uncooked)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
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Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, or extra Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
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Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
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Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
Step 3: Slow Cook
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Low Setting: 4–6 hours
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High Setting: 2–3 hours
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Cook until the sauce is rich, bubbly, and flavorful.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti & Cheese
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About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cooked spaghetti and 1½ cups of mozzarella.
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Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan on top.
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Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or crushed red pepper.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Slow-Cooked Flavor – Allows ingredients to meld into a rich, hearty sauce.
✅ Cheese Perfection – Mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy, indulgent texture.
✅ No Mushy Pasta – Adding pre-cooked spaghetti prevents overcooking.
Variations to Try
🌱 Add Veggies – Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
🌶 Spice It Up – Extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce add heat.
🌾 Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free spaghetti and a GF marinara sauce.
🥦 Vegetarian – Swap meat for plant-based crumbles or lentils.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Stir in ricotta or cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
Tips for Success
✔ Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly undercook spaghetti before adding.
✔ Stir Gently – Prevents noodles from breaking apart.
✔ Storage – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth.
Serving Suggestions
🍷 Elegant Touch – Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
🍞 Classic Pairing – Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
🎉 Party-Ready – Pair with roasted veggies, dinner rolls, or a charcuterie board.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious. Whether for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Have you tried making spaghetti in a slow cooker? Share your favorite variations below! 🍝