When it comes to feeding a crowd with minimal effort, nothing beats the magic of Slow Cooker Spaghetti. This Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe delivers bold, slow-simmered flavor, tender noodles, and a savory sauce infused with garlic, onions, and seasoned beef. Designed to serve 8–10 people, this dish is the definition of comfort food for gatherings—warm, filling, nostalgic, and downright irresistible.
What makes this dish unforgettable is its slow-cooked sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, combined with rich browned meat and optional melted mozzarella that creates a creamy, cheesy finish. It’s beloved because it’s simple to prepare, forgiving to cook, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews at family dinners, potlucks, and church events. No boiling pasta, no watching the stove, no stress—just load it, stir it, and serve it.

Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Serves: 8–10 people
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Ingredients & Their Purpose for Maximum Flavor
2 lbs Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage) – The protein base that gives the sauce deep richness. Ground beef offers classic hearty flavor, while Italian sausage adds spice and herb-infused intensity.
1 Medium Onion, Diced – Adds natural sweetness, aroma, and moisture. Onions create a foundational layer of flavor that deepens during slow cooking.
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced – The bold flavor amplifier. Garlic brings warmth, punch, and a subtle earthy bite that makes this spaghetti crave-worthy.
2 (24 oz) Jars Pasta Sauce – The backbone of the dish. Using two jars ensures the pasta fully cooks in liquid without drying out. Choose sauces labeled “robust,” “garlic-forward,” or “Italian-style” for best SEO-driven flavor results.
1 (14.5 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes (Optional) – Adds acidity, texture, and bursts of tomato brightness. Optional but recommended for homemade sauce complexity.
2 tsp Italian Seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram that brings authentic Italian profile without extra steps.
1 tsp Sugar – Balances tomato acidity and enhances sauce caramelization in the slow cooker.
1 tsp Salt – Essential for seasoning both meat and sauce. Adjust to taste for perfect pasta seasoning.
½ tsp Black Pepper – Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth.
1 lb Spaghetti Noodles, Broken in Half – Shorter noodles fit better in slow cookers and absorb sauce evenly, delivering tender, flavorful pasta.
4 Cups Water or Low-Sodium Beef Broth – The pasta cooking liquid. Broth boosts savory flavor, water keeps it classic. Both help noodles cook directly in the sauce.
1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella (Optional) – Melts into a creamy topping that adds visual appeal and extra comfort flavor. Great for keywords like cheesy slow cooker pasta.
½ Cup Grated Parmesan (Optional) – Adds salty, nutty sharpness when serving. Perfect for finishing flavor and SEO term authentic Italian pasta topping.
Fresh Basil or Parsley – Bright herbal garnish that adds freshness, color, and aroma. Essential for keywords like fresh herb pasta garnish.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Crockpot Spaghetti
Brown the Meat – Heat a skillet over medium. Add beef (or sausage), onion, and garlic. Cook until browned and fragrant. Drain fat. This step locks in savory flavor and prevents grease from diluting the sauce.
Load the Slow Cooker – Transfer meat mixture to the crockpot. Stir in pasta sauce, tomatoes (optional), Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until uniform.
Slow Cook the Sauce – Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. This allows flavors to marry into bold, irresistible sauce.
Add the Pasta – 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in broken spaghetti and broth (or water). Press noodles down gently until submerged to ensure even cooking.
Finish on HIGH – Cover and cook 30–40 more minutes on HIGH, stirring once halfway, until pasta is tender but not mushy.
Add Cheese (Optional) – Sprinkle mozzarella over top during the last 10 minutes. Cover until melted and creamy.
Serve Hot – Plate immediately. Top with Parmesan and herbs for best texture and presentation.