Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti


 

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)

  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • 4 cups cooked spaghetti (about 8 oz uncooked)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

  • Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, crushed red pepper, or extra Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain excess fat.

  2. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

  1. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.

  2. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.

Step 3: Slow Cook

  • Low Setting: 4–6 hours

  • High Setting: 2–3 hours

  • Cook until the sauce is rich, bubbly, and flavorful.

Step 4: Add Spaghetti & Cheese

  1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cooked spaghetti and 1½ cups of mozzarella.

  2. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan on top.

  3. 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! 🍝