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Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels just like a warm hug from a dear friend, this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful fusion of tender ground beef, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all slow-cooked to meld the flavors into absolute perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a satisfying family dinner, this dish offers that classic, soul-satisfying taste that church suppers are famous for, wrapped up in convenience and ease thanks to the slow cooker magic.

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the lean ground beef bringing hearty richness to the fire-roasted tomatoes adding a smoky brightness, every component elevates this dish.

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred): Provides a savory, meaty base that’s rich but not greasy.
  • 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly crisp pop of flavor and beautiful color.
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained: Gives a smoky, tangy edge and vibrant red hues.
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth tomato richness, ensuring sauciness throughout.
  • 1 cup water: Helps to cook the spaghetti and balance flavors without thinning the sauce too much.
  • 1 tbsp chili powder: Imparts warmth and mild spice for that comforting kick.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle, aromatic layer of garlicky goodness.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herb notes.
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the taste.
  • ½ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and subtle complexity.
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen corn, thawed: Sweet bursts of color and texture throughout.
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen peas, thawed: Brings a pop of green and a mild earthiness.
  • 1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained: Adds savory umami and a tender bite.
  • 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half: The star noodle that soaks up all those beautiful flavors.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: One cup stirred in for creaminess, one cup sprinkled on top for a melty, golden finish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking your ground beef, chopped onion, and green bell pepper together. Your goal here is to get that beef nicely browned and the veggies tender and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Breaking up the beef as it cooks ensures every bite will be meaty but without clumps. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Next, transfer your savory beef and veggie mixture into the slow cooker. Pour in your fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and water. Sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so that all those wonderful spices and sauces get evenly incorporated before moving on.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Now stir in those vibrant frozen corn, peas, and drained mushrooms. These veggies not only boost the flavor and texture but brighten the dish with lovely pops of color that make it as visually satisfying as it is delicious.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Break your spaghetti noodles in half and scatter them over the top of the slow cooker mixture. Gently press them down into the liquid but don’t worry if some noodles peek out here and there—those strands will soften beautifully as the dish cooks, absorbing all the rich flavors.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. If you can, stir halfway through cooking to keep everything evenly mixed and to prevent any noodles from sticking. The goal is tender pasta enveloped in a saucy, flavorful mix.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the spaghetti is tender and perfectly cooked, stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it melts into a gooey, golden finish that’s pure comfort food bliss.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Give the dish a final gentle stir, scoop hearty portions into bowls, and get ready to savor every bite of this warm, cheesy, veggie-packed slow cooker marvel.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil over the cheesy top adds a touch of freshness and color that really brightens the dish. For a little extra zing, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of sour cream can elevate the flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are classics that soak up every last bit of cheesy sauce perfectly. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw add welcoming contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next gathering, consider serving this dish family-style in a large, rustic casserole dish right from the slow cooker. Or, layer it into individual gratin dishes and broil briefly to get the cheese bubbling and golden on top—totally irresistible and extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a perfect plan-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers as well. Portion out the spaghetti into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the pasta’s texture might soften a bit after freezing, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover spaghetti gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to make sure it warms evenly and the cheese stays creamy. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened up in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, you can use penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed to get that perfect tender texture.

Is it okay to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used. However, you might want to sauté them first to release their flavors and avoid excess water in the slow cooker. Frozen veggies are convenient and hold their texture nicely in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms, and use vegetable broth in place of water to enhance flavor. You can also add beans for protein and heartiness.

What slow cooker size is best for this recipe?

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal here to comfortably fit all the ingredients and allow the pasta enough room to cook evenly. If your slow cooker is smaller, you might need to cut the recipe in half.

Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?

Yes! You can brown the beef and chop your vegetables the night before to save time. Store them separately in the fridge and add everything to the slow cooker just before cooking for fresh flavors and convenience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a table and sharing a meal that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe captures that spirit perfectly with its hearty layers, easy prep, and irresistible cheesy finish. Give it a try—you’ll quickly discover why it’s a treasured favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds and smiles.

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Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 76 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Description

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Ground beef is browned with onions and bell peppers, then combined with fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and flavorful spices in a slow cooker. Frozen corn, peas, and mushrooms add vibrant color and nutrition. Spaghetti is layered on top and slow-cooked until tender, then finished with melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy finish. This easy recipe requires minimal hands-on time and is ideal for busy days.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 (4 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 12 oz spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Break up the beef as it cooks. Drain any excess fat as needed to reduce greasiness.
  2. Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, water, chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add Veggies: Stir in the thawed frozen corn, peas, and drained sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
  4. Add Pasta: Break the spaghetti in half and layer it over the slow cooker mixture. Gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Some pasta sticking out is okay as it will soften during cooking.
  5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until the pasta is tender. If possible, stir halfway through the cooking time to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
  7. Serve: Scoop the cheesy spaghetti into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this delicious, comforting slow cooker meal with family and friends!

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
  • Adjust salt and chili powder based on personal taste preferences.
  • Stirring halfway through cooking helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the slow cooker sides.
  • Can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine if desired.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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