Norma'S Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty spaghetti casserole combining savory ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat together with chopped onions.
- Add tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, mustard, and chili powder.
- Simmer the mixture for one hour.
- Cook spaghetti until tender.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the meat mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and cover with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the meat mixture before baking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor. Be sure to taste the mixture before baking to adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Norma's Spaghetti Casserole with a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make great accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting touch, pair it with Green Bean And Bacon Casserole. This dish also pairs well with a glass of red wine for an elevated dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a bit of water or broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norma'S Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 256 calories, with 14g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through properly.
Can I freeze this spaghetti casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade cream sauce or use a can of cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Adding sautéed mushrooms can also enhance the taste if you're looking to keep a similar flavor.
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).