Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti

A Soul-Warming Crockpot Classic for Gatherings and Weeknight Feasts

If you’ve ever attended a church potluck or community supper in the heart of the South or Midwest, then you already know the magic of a big warm plate of slow-cooked spaghetti. There’s something unmistakably comforting about it: tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory beef or sausage, and just the right amount of seasoning. And when it’s cooked low and slow in a crockpot, the flavors meld into something special — almost divine.

This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is not only incredibly tasty, it’s also designed to feed a crowd. That makes it perfect for Sunday suppers, family reunions, community potlucks, or meal prepping for a week’s worth of leftovers. And because it’s all made in the slow cooker, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it type of recipe — ideal for busy cooks who still want to serve something memorable.

💒 Why It’s Called “Church Supper” Spaghetti

Church suppers (or fellowship meals) are known for offering simple, classic dishes that are economical, comforting, and built to feed many. This spaghetti recipe checks all the boxes:

It uses affordable ingredients

It’s easy to make in bulk

It holds up well on warmers or slow cookers

And most importantly—it’s delicious

This is the kind of meal you bring in a crockpot, set on a long table beside casseroles and baked hams, and let folks help themselves. Before long, it’s scraped clean.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need to get started:

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup beef broth (adds depth and keeps things saucy)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken in half

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional topping)

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It in the Crockpot

1. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with onion until browned. Add the garlic during the last minute. Drain excess grease.

🔧 Note: You can technically toss everything into the slow cooker without browning the meat first, but sautéing the beef and onions adds better flavor and texture.

2. Add to Crockpot

Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Stir in:

Marinara sauce

Diced tomatoes

Beef broth

Italian seasoning

Red pepper flakes

Salt & pepper

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

3. Add Pasta

At the end of cooking, stir in the broken spaghetti noodles. Make sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until pasta is tender.

🍝 Note: Different slow cookers run hotter than others—check pasta at 20 minutes to avoid mushiness.

4. Cheese It Up

Once pasta is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese for added richness. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it melt before serving.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve directly from the slow cooker with garlic bread, salad, or as part of a potluck spread.

🧀 Tips for the Best Church Supper Spaghetti

Use your favorite sauce – Whether it’s homemade or a jar of Rao’s or Prego, use what you love.

Sausage vs. beef? – Italian sausage brings more flavor, but ground turkey or chicken also works for a lighter version.

Make it vegetarian – Skip the meat and double up on mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Don’t overcook the pasta – Add pasta only at the end to avoid a soggy mess.

Prep ahead – Brown the meat the night before and refrigerate. Dump everything into the slow cooker in the morning.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

Here are some great side dish ideas that turn this meal into a full-on feast:

Garlic Bread or Cheese Sticks

Caesar Salad or a simple green salad

Roasted Vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers)

Fruit salad (especially great for potlucks)

Iced Tea or Lemonade for a southern touch

🥶 Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? You’re in luck.

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freeze for up to 3 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless: Dump, cook, stir in pasta, and serve. That’s it.

Feeds a crowd: Easily serves 6–8 hungry folks.

Classic flavor: Tastes like home, no matter where you’re from.

Adaptable: Make it spicy, meaty, vegetarian, or cheesy as you like.

🙏 Perfect for Church Suppers, Family Gatherings, or Meal Prep

There’s a reason this spaghetti has become a favorite in so many church kitchens. It’s:

Easy to prep in big batches

Travel-friendly in a slow cooker

Loved by kids and adults alike

Budget-friendly

Whether you’re headed to Wednesday night fellowship or just want a hands-off dinner ready when you walk in the door, this dish delivers every time.

📜 Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is the kind of recipe that warms your heart and fills your belly. It brings people together around the table and leaves everyone asking for seconds. With its tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and cheesy finish, it’s a dish that belongs in every home cook’s rotation—especially when life gets busy.

So the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and just plain good, fire up the crockpot and let this classic simmer to perfection. You’ll be glad you did.

More Articles You Might Like