Lou'S Spaghetti
A hearty, cheesy spaghetti casserole with ground meat, vegetables, and bold Worcestershire and Tabasco flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground meat in a skillet with chopped onion and green pepper. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce, stirring well.
- Add drained corn to the skillet and stir.
- Stir in tomato sauce and lower heat to simmer.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions, adding 1 tablespoon Wesson oil to prevent boiling over.
- Drain spaghetti and thoroughly mix with the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a large Dutch oven.
- Mix in 1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese.
- Top with 1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños. To enhance the flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lou's Spaghetti with a side of Gracie'S Garlic Bread for a delightful meal. A fresh garden salad pairs well to balance the richness of the cheese. For an added treat, consider dessert options like Frozen Yogurt or Oreos-N-Creme to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lou'S Spaghetti contains roughly 422 calories, with 21g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1564mg per serving (68% 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 Lou's Spaghetti vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the texture and flavor.
What type of spaghetti is best for this dish?
Thin spaghetti works best for Lou's Spaghetti as it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli, depending on your texture preference.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Lou's Spaghetti freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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).