Easy spaghetti for a crowd is the answer to every host’s mealtime stress. Whether you’re feeding a sports team, hosting a church potluck, or gathering the extended family, this recipe is built to satisfy a big group with minimal effort. Packed with hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is made in bulk and designed to please without breaking the bank—or your back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Feeds 20+ guests with ease
- Affordable pantry staples—ground beef, pasta, tomato juice
- One-pan cooking using a roaster or large pan
- Make-ahead friendly—prep sauce early and reheat when needed
- Foolproof and flexible—easily adapt with different proteins or pasta
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 6 lb ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 5 onions, diced
- 276 oz tomato juice
- 48 oz pasta sauce (any variety)
- ¼ cup garlic powder
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- 2 tbsp dry mustard
- 2 tbsp black pepper
For the Pasta
- 56 oz dry spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook ground beef in batches over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set meat aside. - Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, sauté diced onions for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Set aside. - Prepare the Roaster Pan
Spray a large electric roaster or deep oven-safe pan with nonstick spray. Pour in the tomato juice and pasta sauce. Preheat to 300°F. - Season the Sauce
Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly. - Combine and Simmer
Add browned beef and sautéed onions to the seasoned sauce. Stir well. Cover and cook at 300°F for 1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes. - Add the Pasta
Break spaghetti in half and stir directly into the hot sauce mixture. Ensure pasta is submerged. Cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until pasta is tender. - Serve and Keep Warm
Once cooked, reduce heat to the lowest setting to keep warm while serving. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30–45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Servings: 20–30
- Skill Level: Medium
- Equipment: Electric roaster or large deep oven-safe pan
Nutrition Facts (Estimated – Per Serving, ~1.5 cups)
- Calories: ~600
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 50g
- Sodium: High (adjust seasoning if needed)
Tips & Variations
- Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or mix in Italian sausage
- Tomato juice substitute: Use crushed tomatoes or puree + water
- Pasta options: Penne, linguine, or fettuccine work well too
- Flavor boost: Add fresh basil, oregano, or chili flakes for more depth
- Avoid mushy pasta: Stir frequently and don’t overcook after adding noodles
FAQs
Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, but cooking it in the sauce saves time and lets it absorb more flavor.
How far ahead can I make this?
You can make the meat sauce 1–2 days ahead. Reheat and add pasta when ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
The sauce freezes great for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing cooked pasta—cook fresh when reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Reheat sauce on the stovetop. For leftover pasta, dunk in boiling water for 30 seconds or microwave with added moisture.
Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd
Equipment
- – Electric roaster or large pan
- – Skillet
- – Wooden spoon
- – Large spoon or tongs for serving
Ingredients
- **For the Sauce**
- – 6 lb ground beef 85/15
- – 5 onions diced
- – 276 oz tomato juice
- – 48 oz pasta sauce
- – ¼ cup garlic powder
- – ¼ cup kosher salt
- – 2 tbsp dry mustard
- – 2 tbsp black pepper
- **For the Pasta**
- – 56 oz dry spaghetti
Instructions
- Brown beef in batches and drain fat. Set aside.
- Sauté diced onions until soft. Set aside.
- Coat a large roaster with nonstick spray. Add tomato juice and pasta sauce. Preheat to 300°F.
- Add garlic powder, salt, mustard, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add cooked meat and onions. Stir and cover. Cook for 1½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- Break spaghetti and stir into sauce. Cook uncovered 45–60 minutes, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to warm. Stir occasionally and serve hot.
Notes
– Sub Italian sausage for more flavor
– Stir frequently to avoid sticking
– Sauce freezes well; pasta does not
Conclusion
Easy spaghetti for a crowd is your go-to recipe for any large gathering. It’s simple to prepare, rich in flavor, and budget-friendly. With tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and big-batch convenience, this dish is a lifesaver for hosts who want to impress without the stress.