Italian Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty Italian spaghetti casserole combining savory meat sauce with tender pasta, topped with Parmesan cheese—perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sear hamburger meat in a skillet until browned.
- Drain off excess grease from the meat.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic or garlic salt, hot sauce, and chili powder to the meat.
- Stir in mushroom soup, tomato paste, and water.
- Place drained spaghetti in a large casserole dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a cup of ricotta cheese to the meat sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option, or use lentils for a vegetarian version. If you prefer more vegetables, adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach can enhance the dish. Adjust the chili powder to your taste for spiciness. Remember to taste as you go!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch. For an Italian twist, serve with a side of Italian Stuffed Meat Loaf (Braciuola) or browse more Italian recipes for a themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 500 calories, with 19g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Can I freeze this spaghetti casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of sour cream and a bit of broth can work well to maintain creaminess in the casserole.
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).