Mama'S Baked Chili Spaghetti
Mama's Baked Chili Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish combining spicy chili with pasta, topped with melted Cheddar cheese — perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Brown the chopped onions in shortening until translucent.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti, chili with beans, browned onions, chopped green pepper, and tomato sauce together.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top and bake for a few more minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting ground turkey for the chili or using a vegetarian chili for a meatless option, which aligns well with popular vegetarian recipes. You can also add spices like cumin or chili powder for extra flavor. If you prefer a bit of crunch, toss in some crushed tortilla chips before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked chili spaghetti hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can enhance the dish further. It pairs beautifully with Four Fruit Pizza for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Baked Chili Spaghetti contains roughly 1101 calories, with 32g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini, which may hold the sauce differently. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Is it necessary to bake the dish after mixing?
Baking helps meld the flavors together and allows the cheese to melt beautifully on top. However, if you're short on time, you can serve it right after mixing; the flavors will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
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).