Church Supper Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Church Supper Spaghetti is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners. With a rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and a cheesy topping, this comforting casserole-style spaghetti bakes to bubbly perfection and is easy to make in large quantities. It’s a nostalgic and satisfying meal that brings people together around the table.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongreen bell peppergarlic clovescanned diced tomatoestomato pastotomato sauceItalian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakesgranulated sugarsaltblack pepperspaghetti noodlescheddar cheesemozzarella cheeseParmesan cheese

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with half of each cheese.

Layer the remaining spaghetti and top with the rest of the cheeses.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8-10 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 65 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

Add mushrooms or olives to the sauce for extra texture and taste.

Try a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer topping.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to meet dietary preferences.

Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for added freshness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze portions for up to 3 months.Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Do I have to bake it?

Baking is optional but recommended for melting the cheese and combining flavors.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely, zucchini, spinach, or carrots are great additions.

What type of pasta is best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but you can use linguine, penne, or any pasta you like.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to taste.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, substitute the homemade sauce with your favorite jarred version.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and load up on vegetables or use plant-based meat alternatives.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well—assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before or after baking.

What kind of cheese works best?

A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan offers the best flavor and melt.

Can I serve this at a potluck?

Definitely! It’s ideal for sharing and easy to transport.

Conclusion

Church Supper Spaghetti is a warm, satisfying meal that combines classic flavors with easy preparation, making it perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this cheesy baked spaghetti will be a hit every time.

Print