Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti

by

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Your Next Family Gathering

When it comes to church suppers or any large family meal, a slow cooker is an essential tool that guarantees both flavor and convenience. One of the most beloved dishes for these occasions is spaghetti, a classic comfort food that is universally adored. This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti recipe is designed to delight your guests and simplify the preparation process. Whether you’re hosting a big event or simply looking to enjoy a hearty meal with loved ones, this recipe ensures you’ll have a delicious, rich dish with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, from its ingredients to the preparation steps that make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes Slow Cooker Spaghetti Special?

The magic of slow cooker spaghetti lies in the slow simmering of ingredients over hours, allowing the flavors to meld together into a savory, satisfying sauce. This cooking method locks in the natural flavors of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that pairs beautifully with spaghetti noodles. The slow cooker also ensures the dish is kept warm, making it perfect for gatherings where you need to serve a large group of people.

Slow cooking is ideal for busy days, as it allows you to spend more time with your guests while the meal cooks itself. The ground beef in this recipe provides a savory, hearty base, while the combination of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs ensures every bite is packed with flavor. The addition of red wine (optional) takes the sauce to the next level, offering a depth of flavor that is both robust and comforting.

Ingredients for the Perfect Church Supper Spaghetti

To make this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of ground beef: This forms the savory base of your spaghetti sauce. It’s important to use lean ground beef to avoid excess fat in the final dish.
  • 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant, savory note that enhances the sauce’s overall flavor.
  • 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes: These are the primary source of the sauce’s tomato base, providing richness and acidity.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and depth to the crushed tomatoes.
  • 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste: Thickens the sauce, making it rich and velvety.
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional): Adds a rich, complex flavor to the sauce. It’s not essential, but it enhances the dish if you choose to include it.
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar: A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 2 teaspoons of dried basil: A staple herb in Italian cooking that imparts an aromatic, slightly sweet flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons of dried oregano: Provides a warm, earthy flavor to complement the tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon of dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note that brightens up the sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat to balance the rich tomato flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
  • 1 pound of spaghetti: The perfect vehicle for this rich, slow-cooked sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Spaghetti

Preparing this church supper spaghetti is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, delicious dish that will impress your guests:

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step is important for rendering out any excess fat and ensuring the beef develops a rich, deep flavor. Once browned, drain the fat from the beef.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which typically takes around 5-7 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness of the onion and the aromatic quality of the garlic, both of which will infuse the sauce with depth.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and all of the herbs: basil, oregano, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper for seasoning. If you’re using red wine, add it now for a more complex sauce.

Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure all ingredients are well combined. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully and results in a deeply flavorful sauce.

4. Cook the Spaghetti

About 20-30 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, ensuring it is cooked until al dente. This is key to ensuring the pasta maintains its texture when mixed with the sauce.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and add it directly to the slow cooker. Gently stir the spaghetti into the sauce, making sure every strand is coated in the rich, flavorful tomato mixture. Allow the spaghetti to sit in the slow cooker for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.

5. Serve and Enjoy

After allowing the spaghetti to soak in the sauce for a few minutes, your Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is ready to be served. Dish it out into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor. This hearty dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Spaghetti

  • Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid a greasy sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with vegetarian meatballs or tofu crumbles.
  • Slow Cooker Tips: Avoid opening the lid during cooking as it can extend the cooking time and reduce the flavor intensity.
  • Customization: Feel free to customize your sauce by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Why Slow Cooker Spaghetti is Ideal for Church Suppers

Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is the perfect dish for any church gathering, large family dinner, or potluck. The slow cooker ensures that the meal is served hot and ready to enjoy, without the need for constant monitoring. It also makes preparing food for a large crowd stress-free, as the slow cooker can hold enough sauce to feed up to 10 servings comfortably. Plus, the versatility of the recipe means you can easily scale up or down to fit your needs.

This dish is also highly budget-friendly—using ground beef and pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and pasta ensures you can serve a large group without breaking the bank. The flavor and comfort it provides will have your guests coming back for seconds, making it a great choice for large meals that bring people together.

Conclusion

When you need a hearty, flavorful meal that can serve a crowd with minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is the perfect solution. The slow cooking method brings out the best in the ingredients, creating a rich, savory sauce that coats the spaghetti perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a church supper, or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish will exceed your expectations.

Leave a Comment