Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Church Supper Spaghetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or community gatherings. Made with simple pantry staples, a hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this baked spaghetti casserole is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and always a guaranteed favorite.

ingredients

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

spaghetti noodlesground beef or Italian sausageonion (chopped)garlic (minced)crushed tomatoes or pasta saucetomato pasteItalian seasoningdried basilsalt and peppergrated Parmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheeseeggs (optional for binding)cottage cheese or ricotta (optional for creaminess)olive oil

directions

Church Supper Spaghetti 10 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.

In a separate bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with beaten eggs (if using), some Parmesan, and cottage or ricotta cheese.

Layer half of the spaghetti mixture into the baking dish, then spoon half of the meat sauce over it. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 10–12 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking and baking time: 45–55 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or meatless crumbles for a lighter version.
Add chopped green peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra veggies.
Swap spaghetti for other pasta like penne or rotini.
Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freeze baked spaghetti for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I skip the eggs?

Yes, they help bind the pasta, but the dish works fine without them.

Is it spicy?

Not inherently—add crushed red pepper flakes if you want heat.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Absolutely—use your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you can add provolone or cheddar too.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use meatless crumbles or just the sauce with veggies.

Does it feed a crowd?

Yes, it’s ideal for potlucks, church dinners, or big family meals.

Can I bake it in smaller pans?

Yes, divide into two smaller pans for freezing or gifting.

What side goes well?

Serve with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Cover with foil while baking and don’t overbake.

Conclusion

Church Supper Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort casserole—simple, hearty, and made to share. With its layers of savory sauce, gooey cheese, and tender noodles, it’s a classic dish that brings people together around the table, just like Sunday supper should.