Neapolitan Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining pasta, bacon, ground beef, vegetables, and tomato flavors—perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until tender; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
- In the bacon drippings, cook chopped onion and green pepper until tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain can of mushrooms and add to the meat mixture.
- Stir in tomato soup, warm water, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the meat mixture.
- Transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle with grated sharp cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using turkey bacon or ground turkey for a lighter version of this Neapolitan Casserole. You can also substitute the elbow spaghetti with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor. If you want extra veggies, throw in some spinach or zucchini into the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Neapolitan Casserole with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Broiled Fish A L'Orange for a varied dinner option. For a cozy touch, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. This dish also makes a great potluck contribution.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neapolitan Casserole contains roughly 349 calories, with 14g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2122mg per serving (92% 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 ahead of time. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Just blend in a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Alternatively, a mix of canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste can work well as a substitute.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and peppers to ensure they're tender before mixing them into 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).