Baked Church Supper Spaghetti – Classic Cheesy Spaghetti Bake Everyone Loves
This Baked Church Supper Spaghetti is a timeless comfort food casserole that has earned its place at potlucks, church dinners, and family gatherings. Rich tomato meat sauce, tender baked spaghetti, and a golden cheesy topping come together to create a dish that feeds a crowd and brings everyone back for seconds. It’s easy, hearty, budget-friendly, and always a hit.
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Why This Baked Spaghetti Is a Church Supper Favorite
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Easy make-ahead casserole
- Classic Italian-American comfort food
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Always cheesy, filling, and satisfying
This is the kind of dish people request again and again.
Ingredients for Baked Church Supper Spaghetti
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
These ingredients create a rich, hearty spaghetti casserole with classic flavor.
How to Make Baked Church Supper Spaghetti – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to build flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake Until Cheesy
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
- Cook pasta just al dente to avoid mushy texture
- Drain beef well to prevent excess grease
- Use full-fat cheese for best melt
- Let the casserole rest before slicing
- Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too fast
Popular Variations and Add-Ins
Healthy Baked Spaghetti
Use ground turkey or chicken and reduced-fat cheese.
Vegetable Baked Spaghetti
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Extra Creamy Spaghetti Bake
Mix in 1 cup ricotta cheese before baking.
Spicy Spaghetti Casserole
Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian sausage.
Half-and-Half Version
Leave half the spaghetti plain for picky eaters.
What to Serve with Church Supper Spaghetti
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Minestrone soup
- Apple crisp or brownies for dessert
It’s a complete church dinner menu in one meal.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked or unbaked spaghetti casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Why This Recipe Always Gets Rave Reviews
This church supper spaghetti bake works because it’s:
- Familiar and comforting
- Easy to scale for large groups
- Rich without being complicated
- Loved by all ages
It’s the kind of recipe people ask for before leaving the potluck.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Church Supper Spaghetti is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. Warm, cheesy, and made for sharing, it’s perfect for church dinners, family gatherings, and weeknight comfort food. One bite explains why everyone goes wild for it.
If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing baked spaghetti recipe, this is the one to keep forever. 🍝🧀