Friend'S Spaghetti
A hearty casserole combining spaghetti, creamy mushroom soup, savory Spam, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain 1 lb. of spaghetti.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mushroom soup, wine, diced onion, diced green pepper, butter, diced mushrooms, diced Spam, and diced pimento.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the mixture and stir well.
- Pour everything into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the mixture before baking. If you don't have Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses would work well. Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also substitute the Spam with cooked chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complement the flavors. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the spaghetti. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of Ranch Picnic Potato Salad, which adds a creamy contrast to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Friend'S Spaghetti contains roughly 966 calories, with 25g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1659mg per serving (72% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the Spam and using vegetable broth instead of wine. Additionally, you can replace the mushroom soup with a homemade version using mushrooms, vegetable stock, and cream for a richer flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the spaghetti mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and pop it in for about 30 minutes until bubbly. This makes it perfect for gatherings or busy nights.
What can I substitute for the mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing cream of chicken or cream of celery soup with sautéed mushrooms and a bit of vegetable or chicken broth. This will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
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).