Here’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe for Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti — hearty, easy to make, and perfect for potlucks or Sunday dinners. It uses simple pantry ingredients and simmers into a rich, meaty sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
🍝 Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti
Ingredients (Serves 8–10):
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or sausage, or a mix)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz / 796g) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce
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1 (6 oz / 170g) can tomato paste
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 box (16 oz / 450g) spaghetti, broken in half
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4 cups water or low-sodium beef/chicken broth
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
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Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
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Optional toppings: Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley
🔪 Instructions
1. Brown the Meat (Recommended for Flavor)
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef with chopped onion.
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Add garlic and cook another minute. Season with salt and pepper.
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Drain excess fat, if needed.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Add to the slow cooker:
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Cooked meat mixture
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Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste
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Italian seasoning, basil, sugar (if using), and broth or water
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Stir to combine
3. Cook the Sauce
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Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
4. Add Spaghetti
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30–40 minutes before serving, stir in broken spaghetti.
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Press noodles down to submerge in liquid.
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Stir once or twice during cooking so they don’t stick together.
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Cook on High until pasta is tender (about 30–40 minutes).
5. Serve
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Stir well before serving. Add extra water if needed to loosen.
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Top with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, or crushed red pepper.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Garlic bread
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Green salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Sweet tea or lemonade for that classic church supper vibe
📝 Tips:
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Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
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Add bell peppers or mushrooms with the sauce for extra veggies.
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Keeps well on “warm” for serving during a buffet-style meal.