Pat'S Party Spaghetti
A hearty, cheesy spaghetti bake packed with seasoned ground meat, tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms, topped with crispy bacon—perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup stuffed olives, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 1/4 oz. can Ripe olives, sliced ⓘ
- 2 lb. American cheese, cubed
- 16 oz. spaghetti, cooked
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat lightly in a large skillet or stew pan.
- Drain any excess grease from the meat.
- Add canned tomatoes, Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies, sliced mushrooms, chopped stuffed olives, sliced ripe olives, and chopped onion to the skillet.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add the cubed American cheese and cooked spaghetti to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
- Crumble the cooked, crispy bacon over the mixture.
- Transfer everything into a large baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, alongside crusty rolls and a green salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the meat. You can also use low-fat cheese or a mix of cheeses for added flavor. If fresh mushrooms aren't available, canned mushrooms work well too. To enhance the dish, consider adding garlic or Italian seasoning for extra depth. This recipe is versatile; feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty spaghetti dish with a side of crusty rolls and a refreshing green salad to balance the flavors. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. For an impressive meal, pair it with Easy Baked Chops or Ham Potatoes Au Gratin for a comforting dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Party Spaghetti contains roughly 82 calories, with 5g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin D (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 799mg per serving (35% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes if baking from chilled.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If American cheese isn't available, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Each option will give a different flavor profile, so choose one that complements your taste preferences while still melting well.
Can I freeze Pat's Party Spaghetti?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).