Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that layers tender pasta with a rich vegetable and meat sauce, topped with melty cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained ⓘ
- 12 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, saute onion and green pepper in butter until tender.
- Add tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and oregano.
- Add ground beef if desired.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Place half of the spaghetti in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Top with half of the vegetable mixture.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of red pepper flakes to the sautéed onion and green pepper. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use whole wheat spaghetti. You can also incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the dish's nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Baked Spaghetti is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider pairing it with a glass of red wine to complement the flavors, or enjoy it alongside a bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. For best results, cover with foil if reheating in the oven to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spaghetti contains roughly 764 calories, with 11g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings. Alternatively, any cream soup, such as cream of chicken, can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
Can I freeze Baked Spaghetti?
Yes, Baked Spaghetti freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F 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).