Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd is the ultimate solution when you’re feeding a big group without breaking the bank or your back. Whether it’s a post-game dinner, family reunion, or potluck party, this recipe keeps things simple, hearty, and delicious. With just ground beef, tomato sauce, spaghetti, and pantry spices, you can serve 20+ hungry guests with ease. Unlike tossing together a small batch, crowd-sized pasta needs a different strategy—like roasting the sauce and cooking the noodles in it to avoid sticky pasta disasters. This method keeps things warm, flavorful, and stress-free for hosts of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Feeds a crowd – Easily serves 20+ people.
- Budget-friendly – Affordable ingredients in bulk.
- Make-ahead friendly – Sauce can be prepped a day in advance.
- Flavor-packed – A blend of pantry spices and slow-simmered meat.
- No mushy pasta – Roaster pan method keeps noodles tender and saucy.
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 6 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 5 large yellow onions, diced
- 276 oz tomato juice (approx. 3 large cans)
- 48 oz jarred pasta sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp dry mustard
For the pasta:
- 56 oz dry spaghetti (approx. 3.5 lbs)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat
In large batches, brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat and set aside. - Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until soft and translucent (5–7 minutes). Set aside. - Prepare the Roaster Pan
Preheat a large roaster to 300°F. Spray with non-stick spray. Pour in tomato juice and pasta sauce. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. - Add Beef & Onions
Stir in browned ground beef and sautéed onions. Cover and simmer in the roaster for 90 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes. - Add Pasta
Break spaghetti into halves or thirds. Stir into the sauce mixture in the roaster. Cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until pasta is tender. - Serve & Keep Warm
Once cooked, reduce heat to “warm.” Stir occasionally while serving to keep from drying out or sticking.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 20–24
Nutrition Facts (per serving estimate)
Calories: 750
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 85g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 980mg
Sugar: 8g
Tips & Variations
- Meat alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a beef-sausage mix.
- Tomato juice swaps: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato puree with added water.
- Pasta options: Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work too.
- Keep separate: Cook pasta separately for extra control and combine just before serving.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or red pepper flakes add extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce a day ahead. Refrigerate and reheat in the roaster, adding pasta just before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freeze the sauce without pasta for best results. Pasta tends to get mushy when frozen.
What size roaster do I need?
A 16–18 quart electric roaster works perfectly for this quantity.
How do I keep it warm during a party?
Set your roaster to “warm” and stir every 20 minutes. Keep the lid slightly ajar to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd
Equipment
- – Electric roaster (16–18 qt)
- – Large skillet
- – Cutting board & knife
- – Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
Ingredients
- #### For the Sauce
- – 1/4 cup garlic powder
- – 1/4 cup kosher salt
- – 6 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
- – 2 tbsp black pepper
- – 5 large onions diced
- – 276 oz tomato juice
- – 48 oz pasta sauce
- – 2 tbsp dry mustard
- #### For the Pasta
- – 56 oz dry spaghetti about 3.5 lbs
Instructions
- Brown beef in batches. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onions until soft. Set aside.
- Preheat roaster to 300°F and spray with non-stick spray.
- Add tomato juice, sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
- Add beef and onions. Simmer covered for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broken spaghetti. Stir and cook uncovered 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Keep warm and serve.
Notes
– Make sauce ahead and reheat day-of.
– Great for potlucks and game-day gatherings.
Conclusion
Easy Spaghetti for a Crowd is your go-to recipe for large family dinners, team parties, and potlucks. It’s a filling, flavorful meal that’s easy on your budget and even easier to make ahead. With simple prep and a smart cooking method, you’ll look like a pro feeding 20+ people without breaking a sweat. Pair with garlic bread and salad for a complete crowd-pleaser.