Savory Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty savory spaghetti casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and creamy tomato sauces, topped with melted cheeses—perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp process cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook beef, onion, green peppers, garlic, and celery in butter until vegetables are tender.
- Add condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed tomato soup, water, spaghetti sauce, and tomato sauce to the mixture.
- In a 3-quart casserole, layer cooked spaghetti, sauce mixture, and shredded cheese, repeating the layers as desired.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until bubbling and hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste. To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium soups and sauces. If you prefer a creamier dish, add a dollop of sour cream before baking. This recipe is great for using up leftover vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory spaghetti casserole with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy One Pot Meals for a comforting dinner. You can also top it with fresh herbs or extra cheese just before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 306 calories, with 12g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1073mg per serving (47% 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 up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This is perfect for meal prepping or hosting gatherings.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp process cheese and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with a mix of cooked lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of water and incorporate more vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and 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).