Easy Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
Imagine walking into a cozy church hall, the air filled with the savory aroma of a delicious meal being prepared. One of the most beloved dishes at church suppers is the classic spaghetti recipe. It brings people together, warms their hearts, and satisfies their taste buds. In this article, we’ll share with you an easy slow cooker church supper spaghetti recipe that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this slow cooker church supper spaghetti recipe has become a favorite among many. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a hearty and delicious meal ready in no time. Secondly, the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce. Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, you can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Ingredients
To make this easy slow cooker church supper spaghetti recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
– 1 pound spaghetti
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the easy slow cooker church supper spaghetti:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This will take about 5 minutes. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and cook the spaghetti sauce on low heat for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Spaghetti
About 20 minutes before serving, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the slow cooker church supper spaghetti sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley (if desired) on top for added flavor and garnish. Enjoy this comforting and delicious meal with your loved ones.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your slow cooker church supper spaghetti turns out perfectly:
– For extra flavor, you can brown the ground beef with some minced garlic and diced onion.
– If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the slow cooker.
– The longer you cook the sauce, the more flavorful it will become. If you have the time, let it simmer on low for 8 hours.
– Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicy, add more crushed red pepper flakes.
Variations and Substitutions
While this easy slow cooker church supper spaghetti recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
– Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
– Add some Italian sausage for extra flavor and richness.
– If you’re vegetarian, omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
– Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker church supper spaghetti is delicious on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with some garlic bread and a fresh green salad. The garlic bread will soak up the flavorful sauce, and the salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spaghetti.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or for meal prepping purposes. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Simply peel and chop the fresh tomatoes and use them in place of the canned tomatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
Final Thoughts
This easy slow cooker church supper spaghetti recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. With its rich and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a church supper or simply want a comforting meal at home, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and share your delicious spaghetti experiences with us!
Easy Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
A comforting and delicious spaghetti recipe cooked slowly in a rich and flavorful sauce, perfect for church suppers or cozy family dinners. This easy-to-make dish is versatile and can be customized to suit different taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 pound spaghetti
Directions
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Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
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Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
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Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
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Cover and cook the spaghetti sauce on low heat in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours to allow flavors to develop.
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions about 20 minutes before serving. Drain and set aside.
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Serve the slow cooker church supper spaghetti sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy!
