Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Creamy cheese spaghetti casserole combines tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese for a hearty, family-friendly meal packed with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti noodles until al dente and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add grated onion, chopped bell pepper, and diced tomatoes to the beef; cook until tender and well blended.
- In a large casserole dish, layer cooked spaghetti followed by the meat mixture.
- Mix cream of mushroom soup and milk together; spread evenly over the meat layer.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top.
- Repeat layers of spaghetti, meat mixture, and cheese if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot, optionally with Mexican cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños. Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with Mexican cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. This is a fantastic comfort food option for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 524 calories, with 20g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 510mg per serving (22% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it for a bit longer if it's cold from the fridge. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade version, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for different taste profiles.
Can I freeze the cheese spaghetti casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from frozen.
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).