Baked Spaghetti(Makes 12 Servings)
A hearty baked spaghetti casserole with savory tomato, beef, and cheese layers, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comfort food with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms drained ⓘ
- 2 1/4 oz. ripe olives sliced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef cooked and drained ⓘ
- 12 oz. spaghetti cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. Cheddar cheese grated ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and green pepper in margarine until tender.
- Add diced tomatoes, drained mushrooms, sliced olives, and oregano; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Optional: add cooked and drained ground beef to the mixture.
- Place half of the cooked spaghetti in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, tomato mixture, and cheese.
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup with water and pour over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste. If you don’t have Cheddar cheese, feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Adjust the oregano based on your preference or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
Baked spaghetti can be served as a hearty main dish, perfect for family gatherings. Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Cheese Topped Stuffed Peppers for a delightful feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spaghetti(Makes 12 Servings) contains roughly 498 calories, with 14g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (51% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% 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 prepare baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade sauce using heavy cream and sautéed mushrooms. This will give a similar creamy texture without using canned soup.
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).