Baked Church Supper Spaghetti

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Looking for the ultimate comfort food casserole to feed a hungry crowd? This Baked Church Supper Spaghetti is the perfect dish for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. Loaded with ground beef, rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a hearty, oven-baked spaghetti casserole that tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Feeds a crowd with ease

• Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly

• Perfect balance of savory meat, herbs, and melty cheese

• Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners

• Classic flavor with minimal prep time

Ingredients Breakdown

Sauce & Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef – Adds rich, savory flavor and makes the dish filling.

• 1 large onion, chopped – Provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle kick.

• 24 oz marinara sauce – The main tomato base that ties everything together.

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds texture and fresh tomato flavor.

• 1 tsp dried oregano & 1 tsp dried basil – Classic Italian herbs for depth and aroma.

• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning and balance.

Pasta & Cheese:

• 1 lb spaghetti – Traditional pasta choice that holds the sauce well.

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into a gooey, bubbly topping.

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and a golden finish.

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds color and a fresh herbal touch before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready.

• Add veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added to the sauce.

• Double batch: Great for freezing—just divide into two pans and freeze one for later.

• Low-carb tip: Substitute spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix some ricotta or cottage cheese into the pasta before baking.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and load up with vegetables and beans.

• Meat Lovers: Add ground Italian sausage or pepperoni slices for extra flavor.

What to Serve With It

• Garlic bread or breadsticks

• Caesar salad or mixed greens

• Roasted vegetables

• A glass of red  sweet tea

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave single portions or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes, penne, rotini, or ziti all work great in place of spaghetti.

Q: Can this be made vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add extra vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute.

Q: What kind of marinara sauce works best?
A: Choose a brand with no added sugar and bold tomato flavor, or make your own for best results.

Baked Church Supper Spaghetti

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

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Description

Baked Church Supper Spaghetti – A hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole packed with savory ground beef, tangy marinara, tender pasta, and a blanket of melted cheese. Comfort food magic that’s even better as leftovers

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 24 oz marinara sauce

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.

• Drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

3. Sauté Onion & Garlic

• Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet.

• Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce

• Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook the Pasta

• While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package.

• Drain and set aside.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce.

• Toss well to evenly coat the pasta.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish

• Pour the spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking dish.

• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

8. Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

9. Serve

• Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Make sure your spaghetti is just al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven.

• For a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes.

• Leftovers make an excellent lunchbox meal or quick weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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