Looking for the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, family gathering, or Sunday church supper? This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is just the recipe! Packed with ground beef, pasta, sauce, and plenty of cheese, it’s hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly—making it a favorite for feeding a crowd.
The slow cooker takes the stress out of preparing spaghetti for a large group. Simply layer your ingredients, set it, and let the slow cooker transform simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti (broken in half)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix ricotta (or cottage cheese) with sour cream until smooth.
Step 4: Layer in Slow Cooker
- Grease the slow cooker insert. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of broken spaghetti, then spread some cheese mixture and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until pasta is tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy noodles.
Step 6: Serve
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Variation
- Chicken Spaghetti: Swap beef for shredded chicken and use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
- Veggie Version: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach between layers.
- Spicy Spaghetti: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Break spaghetti in half for even cooking and easier serving.
- Do not stir while cooking—layering helps the pasta cook evenly.
- If sauce thickens too much, add 1/2 cup broth or water halfway through cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic breadsticks or Texas toast.
- Pair with a simple green salad for balance.
- Great for potlucks, game nights, or family reunions.
Tips
- For best results, use regular spaghetti noodles (not quick-cook).
- Assemble everything ahead, refrigerate, then cook the next day.
- Keep on “warm” setting in the slow cooker for serving at events.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3–4 hours (low)
- Total Time: ~3 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 8 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 890mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?
- Yes! Just make sure there’s enough sauce to cover the pasta so it cooks properly.
Q2: Can I double this recipe for a big church supper?
- Yes, but use a large 6–7 quart slow cooker and increase cooking time slightly.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, penne or rotini work well, but adjust cook time slightly.
Q5: How do I prevent mushy noodles?
- Check at 3 hours and turn to “warm” once noodles are tender. Don’t overcook.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and easy to make in big batches. Perfect for church gatherings, family dinners, or any event where you need to feed a hungry crowd, it’s a stress-free recipe that everyone will rave about.