Description:
Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines savory pasta, rich marinara sauce, and ground beef, all cooked together in the slow cooker for maximum flavor. This recipe is perfect for a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks, church suppers, or family dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, blending the flavors together into a mouthwatering, saucy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz uncooked spaghetti (broken in half)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Prepare Sauce: Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce does not stick.
Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, break the uncooked spaghetti in half and stir it into the sauce. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the spaghetti is tender.
Finish with Cheese: Once the spaghetti is cooked, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt for about 5 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
Customize the Meat: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage if you prefer.
Spaghetti Tips: Break the spaghetti into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
Keep it Saucy: If the sauce seems too thick before adding the pasta, you can stir in a little bit of water or beef broth to thin it out.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique twist.
Corrections/Adjustments:
Pasta Texture: Slow cookers can vary, so keep an eye on the spaghetti as it cooks. If it gets too mushy, reduce the cooking time and add the pasta in later.
Seasoning Adjustments: Depending on your taste, you may want to adjust the seasoning with additional herbs or spices such as oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Make Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for easy reheating later.