Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti

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## Recipe: Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 4 hours (Low) or 2 hours (High)

  • Servings: 8-10 people

### Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Ground beef (lean 85/15 or 90/10)

  • 1 Large yellow onion, finely diced

  • 1 Green bell pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 2 jars (24 oz each) Marinara or spaghetti sauce

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes (undrained)

  • 1 cup Beef broth or water

  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp Sugar (optional, to cut acidity)

  • 1 lb Spaghetti noodles, broken in half

  • 2 cups Shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar cheese

  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat

### Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.

  2. Aromatics: Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Slow Cooker Base: Transfer the meat mixture to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar.

  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours.

  5. Add Pasta: About 30–45 minutes before serving (if on low) or 20 minutes (if on high), stir in the broken spaghetti noodles. Ensure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.

  6. The Finish: Once the noodles are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. Serve: Toss gently and serve directly from the crock.

### Notes & Tips

  • The Noodle Secret: Don’t add the noodles at the very beginning! They will turn into mush. Adding them toward the end ensures they maintain a “bite.”

  • Liquid Balance: If the sauce looks too thick after adding the pasta, splash in an extra half-cup of water or broth.

  • Veggie Boost: You can easily hide shredded carrots or sautéed mushrooms in the sauce for extra nutrition.

### Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1/10th of the recipe.

Nutrient Amount
Calories 485 kcal
Protein 32g
Fat 18g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 4g
Sodium 890mg

### Benefits of This Dish

  • Efficiency: Perfect for potlucks or busy weeknights; it frees up your stovetop for side dishes.

  • Flavor Depth: Cooking the noodles in the sauce allows the starch to thicken the meal while the pasta absorbs the savory beef and tomato base.

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable cuts of meat to feed a large group.

### Q&A

Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta?

A: Yes, but keep in mind whole wheat pasta takes slightly longer to cook and requires about 1/4 cup more liquid as it absorbs more than white pasta.

Q: Why is it called “Church Supper” spaghetti?

A: It originated from communal gatherings where food needed to stay warm for hours in a buffet line without drying out. The slow cooker method keeps the pasta moist and warm perfectly.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

A: Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based crumble or double the amount of mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid while frozen.

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