Julie'S Confetti Spaghetti
Julie'S Confetti Spaghetti is a vibrant, cheesy baked pasta dish with hearty beef, sausage, and colorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 sweet Italian sausages, casing removed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 lb spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in butter; drain excess fat.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- Mix all cooked ingredients with cream of mushroom soup, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, green pepper, onion, Cheddar cheese, brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef and sausages with lentils or a meat substitute. You can also use any type of cheese you prefer if you want a stronger flavor, like sharp Cheddar. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add brightness to the dish. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save preparation time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Julie's Confetti Spaghetti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Jon Marzetti for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs on top just before serving for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the spaghetti moist. You can use the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julie'S Confetti Spaghetti contains roughly 1161 calories, with 49g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), protein (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 837mg per serving (36% 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 use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose to ensure it's cooked al dente.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include fresh chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade version by combining cream, sautéed mushrooms, and a bit of flour to thicken. Alternatively, a mixture of sour cream and broth can create a similar creamy texture.
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).