Meat-Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty meat and spaghetti casserole with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- salt (optional) ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package spaghetti ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Brown and drain the sausage.
- Add chopped onions, celery, and green pepper to the sausage and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, salt, sugar, and 1 cup water to the sausage and vegetables.
- Simmer the mixture covered for 30 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage, which can enhance the taste of the dish. You can substitute the green pepper with diced zucchini or mushrooms if desired. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. To save time, use pre-cooked spaghetti or whole grain pasta for a healthier option. This casserole can also be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meat-spaghetti casserole with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving can elevate the presentation. It pairs beautifully with Lime Yogurt Pie(Low-Fat) for dessert, offering a refreshing finish to the meal. For a more casual dining experience, consider serving it alongside Pepperoni Roll(Appetizer).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This dish retains its flavor and texture well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat-Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 406 calories, with 22g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2133mg per serving (93% 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 in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to eat, bake it at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until heated through, adding extra time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of sausage?
If you're looking for a substitute for sausage, ground turkey or chicken can work well. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh, seasoned with similar spices to mimic the sausage flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to the casserole, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat sauce. You can also use spicy sausage or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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).