This Church Supper Spaghetti is the perfect balance of hearty ground beef, savory sauce, and tender pasta, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Paired with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a church gathering, this spaghetti dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. Plus, with the ability to customize the sauce with your favorite seasonings or veggies, it’s the kind of dish that always feels special.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb spaghetti
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
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Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft.
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Stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce until well coated. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Church Supper Spaghetti: A Hearty Dish for Family Gatherings
When it comes to preparing meals for large gatherings, whether it’s a church supper, a potluck, or a family reunion, the key is to make something that is both filling and easy to prepare in large quantities. Church Supper Spaghetti is the perfect choice. With its hearty combination of ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, it satisfies a crowd and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is simple to make, affordable, and packed with flavor, making it ideal for those looking to feed a lot of people without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Origin of Church Supper Spaghetti
The Church Supper Spaghetti recipe has been a staple in many communities, especially in rural areas where potlucks and community gatherings are a frequent occasion. Its origin can be traced back to the need for a large, easy-to-prepare meal that could feed a crowd. Church suppers and potluck dinners often involve dishes that are quick to make in large batches and can be easily transported. This spaghetti dish, in particular, rose to popularity because of its ability to be prepared in advance and baked just before serving, allowing busy cooks to focus on other tasks while still delivering a satisfying meal.
Verlyn Wilson, from Wilkinson, Indiana, shares how she often makes this dish for church dinners and potlucks. It’s a great choice because it’s both affordable and easily customizable based on what you have in your pantry or fridge. The recipe can also be scaled up to accommodate a larger crowd, making it perfect for farm families or large communities where food is needed to feed many people quickly.
The Versatility of Church Supper Spaghetti
One of the greatest benefits of this dish is its versatility. You can adapt it based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, instead of using regular diced tomatoes, you can experiment with flavored varieties, such as Italian, Mexican, or Cajun tomatoes, to give the dish a different twist. The mix of vegetables, from peas and corn to mushrooms, adds a variety of textures and flavors to the dish, while the ground beef provides a hearty protein base. The cheddar cheese layers help to create a comforting, creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.
For a more customizable experience, you could swap in different vegetables or even different types of pasta. If you want to make it a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat spaghetti or adding extra greens like spinach or kale. If you’re feeding a vegetarian crowd, you can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives, such as lentils or a vegan meat substitute.
A Meal for All Ages
This dish is not only loved by adults but also by children. The cheesy, comforting nature of Church Supper Spaghetti makes it an easy sell for picky eaters. The blend of pasta, cheese, and mild spices is not overpowering, so even the youngest family members will enjoy it. Plus, the fact that it’s a one-pan meal that can be served in a baking dish makes cleanup easy, which is always a bonus when preparing meals for a large group.
Because of its affordability and ease of preparation, it’s also a great option for budget-conscious cooks who still want to make something that feels hearty and special. A pound of ground beef can go a long way when paired with pasta and vegetables, making this dish a cost-effective option for feeding many people without breaking the bank.
The Importance of Cheese in Church Supper Spaghetti
Cheese plays a crucial role in this dish, not just for its flavor but for its ability to bring the different elements of the spaghetti together. The shredded cheddar cheese, in particular, adds a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the beef and balances out the sweetness of the vegetables. It also melts beautifully, forming a golden crust on top of the pasta that adds a crispy texture to the dish.
While cheddar cheese is commonly used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, to create different flavor profiles. If you want to make the dish even more indulgent, you can add layers of cheese between the pasta and sauce, making the cheesy filling stretch even further. The cheese also helps hold the pasta together when baked, making it easy to serve in neat slices or portions.
Making Church Supper Spaghetti Your Own
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your personal taste. Some people like to add a bit more spice to their version of Church Supper Spaghetti by incorporating red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. Others might prefer to add more herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or thyme, to infuse the sauce with more depth of flavor.
If you’re feeding a crowd with diverse tastes, consider setting up a topping bar with extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even additional hot sauce, so everyone can customize their servings to their liking. This flexibility makes it a great option for gatherings where people have different preferences and dietary needs.
A Perfect Dish for Potlucks and Gatherings
Church Supper Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser because of its simplicity and familiarity. It’s the type of dish that can be served at a large family reunion, a church potluck, or even a casual dinner party. Its hearty nature makes it filling without being overly heavy, so guests can enjoy a satisfying meal and still have room for dessert or other dishes.
The recipe’s design makes it ideal for cooking in advance, allowing you to prepare it earlier in the day and bake it just before serving. This makes it perfect for busy hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of their guests. Whether you’re hosting or attending a gathering, Church Supper Spaghetti ensures that everyone leaves satisfied.
Conclusion: Why Church Supper Spaghetti Will Always Be a Favorite
Church Supper Spaghetti is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition that brings people together. Its simplicity, versatility, and heartwarming flavors make it a go-to recipe for large gatherings. By combining affordable ingredients and hearty flavors, it provides comfort and satisfaction to all who enjoy it. Whether you stick to the original recipe or customize it to fit your tastes, this dish will continue to be a favorite for years to come. Perfect for church dinners, family meals, or any occasion that requires feeding a crowd, Church Supper Spaghetti is the kind of dish that fosters togetherness and creates lasting memories.
So, next time you’re looking for a meal to feed a crowd or bring to a potluck, give Church Supper Spaghetti a try. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, and its leftovers will make for a delicious lunch the next day!