Banquet Spaghetti Supper
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish packed with peppers, onions, and a savory meat sauce, perfect for feeding large groups with bold, comforting tastes.
Ingredients
- 10 bell peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 15 lb. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 25 tsp. garlic salt or garlic powder ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 40 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- salt and pepper
- 13 Tbsp. chili powder
- 13 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 13 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 19 (12 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 5 qt. tomatoes ⓘ
- 15 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 10 c. catsup ⓘ
- 19 family size pkg. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry chopped bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil until soft, adding a little water as needed.
- Mash the cooked vegetables with a fork.
- Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture and cook until fully done.
- Transfer the mixture to a large pot and add remaining ingredients except spaghetti.
- Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions, adding a small amount of olive oil.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked spaghetti in the pot or serve the sauce over the spaghetti on plates.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of some garlic salt or powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Banquet Spaghetti Supper with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This dish also pairs beautifully with a light white wine or sparkling water. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside 'Tastes Like Olive Garden Soup' for a hearty family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti supper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and keep it moist, heating on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banquet Spaghetti Supper contains roughly 8000 calories, with 151g protein, 444g carbohydrates, and 635g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (302% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (166% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it on the stove before mixing with the cooked spaghetti. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use if I don't have chili powder?
If you don't have chili powder, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to taste. Alternatively, taco seasoning can also work in place of chili powder for a similar flavor profile.
How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?
Ground beef is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The meat should be browned with no pink remaining. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it's cooked safely.
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).