There are few dishes as universally loved and instantly comforting as Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti. It’s the ultimate answer to busy days, church potlucks, or anytime you crave a bowl of saucy, beefy spaghetti with minimal fuss. With each forkful, you get an inviting tangle of perfectly tender pasta in a rich, savory sauce that’s cooked all day and infused with the flavors of Italian sausage, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic. This recipe is the perfect make-ahead crowd-pleaser and brings people together, just like all good church supper dishes should.

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti shines thanks to a lineup of humble, yet essential, ingredients that work in harmony. Each item brings its own character to the table, from deep flavor and creamy texture to satisfying bites of tender pasta—all simmered together for the most luscious, hands-off pasta dinner.

Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and classic flavor; opt for lean to minimize grease.
Italian Sausage (mild or hot): Gives irresistible spice, richness, and depth—casings removed for easy crumbling.
Onion (diced): Offers sweetness and a comforting base note as it cooks down with the meat.
Garlic (minced): Brings irresistible aroma and elevates every bite with classic Italian flair.
Crushed Tomatoes (28-ounce can): Delivers vibrant color and a tangy, robust body to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce (15-ounce can): Seamlessly ties the sauce together, giving it a silky consistency.
Tomato Paste (6-ounce can): Adds extra richness, umami, and a beautiful deep tomato flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A savory blend that infuses the sauce with classic herbaceous notes.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon to balance and round out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors to life—taste and adjust as needed.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthiness; freshly cracked is best.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle for a subtle, lovely kick of heat.
Spaghetti (uncooked, 1 pound): The star of the show; breaking the noodles in half helps them cook evenly.
Water or Low-Sodium Beef Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for the pasta to cook and lends either a clean or extra-savory flavor—your choice!
Grated Parmesan Cheese & Chopped Parsley: The perfect finishing touch for creamy, salty goodness and gorgeous color.

How to Make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Begin by warming a large skillet over medium heat and adding both the ground beef and Italian sausage. As the meat cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink and nicely crumbled. This step brings out the best flavor, giving your Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti that irresistible, meaty base.

Step 2: Soften the Aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic and take a moment to enjoy the wonderful smell. Cook for two to three minutes, just until the onions soften and everything becomes fragrant. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off now for a cleaner, lighter sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned meat mixture straight into your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little extra heat. Give it all a good stir so everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Let It Simmer Low and Slow

Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. As it cooks, the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce becomes rich and thick—just what you want for this church supper classic.

Step 5: Add the Spaghetti

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, break the spaghetti in half and stir it, dry, into the sauce along with the water or beef broth. Gently press down so all the noodles are submerged. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 25–35 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is just tender.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Give the mixture a really good stir to distribute the sauce and pasta evenly. Finish with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley to give your Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti an extra sprinkle of love.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti

Garnishes

One of the best parts of serving Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is letting people customize their bowl! Offer a bowl of freshly grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. A light drizzle of olive oil over the top just before serving can add an extra-silky finish.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with some classic sides. Garlic bread is a must for soaking up extra sauce, and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the spaghetti. If you’re serving a crowd, add roasted vegetables or a big platter of antipasto for an irresistible spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For large gatherings or church suppers, keep your Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti on the “keep warm” setting and let guests serve themselves. For family meals, pile the spaghetti high on a big platter and sprinkle generously with cheese and parsley. Want to get playful? Try serving portions in individual ramekins for a charming, portion-controlled presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors often deepen and improve by the next day.

Freezing

This spaghetti freezes like a dream! Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and lay flat for quick thawing. Freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top of your container, as pasta expands when frozen.

Reheating

To bring your Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems thick. Stir occasionally until hot throughout to avoid uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef and sausage for your favorite plant-based meat crumbles or a mixture of hearty lentils, mushrooms, and extra veggies. Use vegetable broth to keep it entirely meat-free.

Do I have to cook the pasta separately?

Not at all. That’s the beauty of Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti: the uncooked noodles go straight into the slow cooker at the end, soaking up sauce and flavor without extra pots or hassle.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the spaghetti once halfway through cooking after you add it to the slow cooker, and make sure the noodles are fully submerged in liquid. This helps prevent clumping and ensures even cooking.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can! Just use a large-capacity slow cooker, and keep in mind you may need a little extra liquid and a few more minutes for the pasta to cook evenly. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd at church suppers or family reunions.

Is it okay to use different types of pasta?

Of course! You can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you love—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as shapes and thicknesses vary. The slow cooker method is forgiving with most dried pasta varieties.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s effortless, family-friendly, and packs a ton of classic flavor, look no further than this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti. Gather your loved ones, plug in your slow cooker, and watch this comforting dish become the star of any table. You’ll be coming back to it again and again, I promise!

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for feeding a crowd. With a rich meat sauce simmered to perfection in the slow cooker, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce:

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

1 pound spaghetti, uncooked
4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened, then transfer to slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Cook Spaghetti: Break spaghetti in half, add to sauce with water or broth. Cook on high for 25–35 minutes until pasta is tender.
Serve: Stir well before serving, top with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
You can substitute ground turkey or omit the sausage for a lighter version.
This dish is perfect for potlucks or church gatherings—set slow cooker to “keep warm” for serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American-Italian