Slow Cooker Church Spaghetti
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 6–8 hours
✅ Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1/2 cup water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb (450g) spaghetti pasta (broken in half if needed to fit your slow cooker)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
👨🍳 Instructions:
Cook the beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Combine the sauce ingredients:
In your slow cooker, combine the cooked beef, chopped onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water (or broth). Stir to mix everything together.
Season the sauce:
Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well, and cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook the sauce:
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6–8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the pasta:
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions (al dente). Drain the pasta.
Combine the pasta and sauce:
Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker with the sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and let it heat through for about 15–20 minutes.
Add the cheese:
About 5 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti. Cover the slow cooker and let the cheese melt.
Serve:
Once the cheese has melted and everything is well combined, serve the Slow Cooker Church Spaghetti hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
📝 Tips:
Meat options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
For a thicker sauce: Reduce the amount of water or broth slightly.
Add veggies: Feel free to throw in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
Make ahead: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Church Spaghetti! It’s a family-friendly, comforting meal that’s sure to please a crowd. Let me know if you need more ideas for variations!