Nothing brings people together like a hearty, comforting meal—especially one that’s easy to make and big enough to feed a crowd. This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is just that kind of dish. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or Sunday suppers, it combines rich flavors, tender pasta, and savory sauce all in one slow cooker. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method, this spaghetti recipe is ideal for busy days when you want something warm and filling waiting for you.
Whether you’re serving your church community, a large family, or simply meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers taste and convenience in one pot. Let’s dive into how to make it!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: About 6 hours
Serves: 8–10 people
Ingredients
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2 lbs ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)
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1 medium onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 (24 oz) jars pasta sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for added texture and depth)
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2 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp sugar (helps balance acidity in the sauce)
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1 tsp salt, or to taste
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 lb spaghetti noodles, broken in half
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4 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
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1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)
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½ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
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Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat (Prep – 15 minutes)
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft—about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Layer the Sauce in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked meat mixture into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine well.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce (Slow Cook – 3 to 4 hours on LOW)
Cover and cook the meat sauce mixture on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Pasta (Final Hour)
After the sauce has simmered for a few hours, stir in the broken spaghetti noodles and 4 cups of water or broth. Press the noodles down gently so they’re mostly submerged in liquid. Cover and cook on LOW for another 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Note: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker. Check after 45 minutes to ensure the noodles are not overcooked.
Step 5: Final Touches (Optional)
Once the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover for an additional 5–10 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve warm with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this spaghetti with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal. It also works well as a potluck dish—just bring the slow cooker with you and plug it in to keep the pasta warm during serving.
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting dish that brings people together. With bold Italian flavors, a rich meaty sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s sure to become a staple for any gathering. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and keeps warm beautifully in the slow cooker.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a church event or just want dinner ready with minimal effort, this recipe is a true winner. Make it your own by using your favorite sauce, adjusting spices, or adding veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.