Description: This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With its rich, flavorful meat sauce, tender pasta, and hearty ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the aromas filling your home. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this spaghetti dish is bound to be a hit!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup water or broth (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat:
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
In the slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, diced onion, garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
About 30 minutes before serving, break the uncooked spaghetti in half and add it to the slow cooker. If the sauce looks too thick, add 1/2 cup of water or broth. Stir occasionally, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Continue cooking for the last 30 minutes until the spaghetti is tender.
- Finish and Serve:
Once the spaghetti is cooked, give the sauce a final stir. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt for a cheesy finish.
Serve the spaghetti with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Serving Notes:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
For a more indulgent experience, top with additional cheese or grated Parmesan.
Tips:
If you prefer your spaghetti more al dente, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the sauce just before serving.
For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.
This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is as easy as it is delicious. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need to feed a group with minimal effort. Let your slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that will become a family favorite!