After The Game Spaghetti
A hearty baked spaghetti dish loaded with ground beef, bacon, cheeses, and flavorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings seeking rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, cooked crisp ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel and green chiles ⓘ
- 8 oz. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup stuffed olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 1/4 oz. American cheese, grated ⓘ
- 16 oz. spaghetti, cooked
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef and cooked bacon; drain excess fat.
- Add peeled tomatoes, Ro-Tel with green chiles, sliced mushrooms, chopped stuffed olives, sliced ripe olives, and chopped onion to the beef mixture.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Stir in grated American cheese and cooked spaghetti until well combined.
- Crumble cooked bacon over the top of the mixture.
- Place the mixture in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic and Italian herbs to the beef mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, swap half the ground beef for ground turkey. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste. This dish can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Pairing it with a side salad enhances the meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve After The Game Spaghetti hot from the oven, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light red wine for a delightful contrast. This dish is perfect for game day gatherings or family dinners, offering a hearty and satisfying option.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also re-bake it in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of After The Game Spaghetti contains roughly 177 calories, with 11g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 805mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the ground beef for another protein?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is fully cooked.
What can I serve with After The Game Spaghetti?
This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad and crusty garlic bread. For beverages, consider serving a light red wine or iced tea to balance the richness of the spaghetti. You could also include some roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
Can I freeze After The Game Spaghetti?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the spaghetti to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).