Church Supper Spaghetti Casserole

Church Supper Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and baked to perfection. This dish brings together tender spaghetti, a meaty tomato sauce, and layers of melty cheese in one cozy, casserole-style bake. It’s the kind of recipe made for family gatherings, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or—you guessed it—church suppers.

What makes it stand out? Its crowd-pleasing flavor, simple ingredients, and ability to feed a hungry group with ease. It’s creamy, savory, and cheesy with just enough structure to slice and serve beautifully, making it a guaranteed hit on any table.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the Pasta Layer:

  • 12 oz spaghetti

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage (optional, or use more ground beef)

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce

  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Cook spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) with chopped onion until fully cooked.

    • Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

    • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, pepper, and sugar. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

  3. Mix the Creamy Layer

    • In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.

  4. Assemble the Casserole

    • In a greased 9x13" baking dish, layer as follows:

      • Half the cooked spaghetti

      • All of the creamy cheese mixture

      • Remaining spaghetti

      • All of the meat sauce

    • Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

  5. Bake and Serve

    • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

    • Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

    • Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: ~510 kcal per serving
Servings: 8–10

The Origin of Church Supper Spaghetti Casserole

This recipe is a classic in community cookbooks and potluck culture, especially across the American Midwest and South. Combining the comfort of baked pasta with creamy, cheesy layers, it’s a go-to dish for events where food must be transportable, shareable, and deeply satisfying.

Casseroles like this were born out of practicality: stretching simple ingredients to feed a crowd—without sacrificing flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for potlucks or large families.

  • Layered Flavor: Creamy cheese meets savory meat sauce.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake when ready.

  • Comforting & Familiar: Like lasagna, but easier and with spaghetti!

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Slightly undercook pasta—it will finish in the oven.

  2. Let the casserole rest after baking so it slices cleanly.

  3. Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.

  4. Want extra depth? Add a splash of red wine to the sauce.

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Skip the meat and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

  • Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of provolone or cheddar between the pasta.

  • Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of crushed red pepper.

  • Kid-Friendly: Stick with mild flavors and use cottage cheese if they’re picky about texture.

Make Ahead & Storage

  • Make Ahead: Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze in portions or whole; thaw and reheat covered at 350°F.

  • Reheat Tip: Add a splash of marinara if reheating in microwave to keep it moist.

Serving Ideas

Serve with:

  • Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls

  • A crisp Caesar or Italian salad

  • Steamed green beans or roasted veggies

  • Sweet tea or sparkling apple cider

Final Thoughts

Church Supper Spaghetti Casserole is a humble hero of potluck tables, family dinners, and weeknight leftovers. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and full of familiar flavors everyone loves. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to meal prep something cozy for the week ahead, this casserole checks all the boxes.

One bite and you'll know—this is the kind of recipe people ask for after the first forkful.