Souped Up Spaghetti
Souped Up Spaghetti is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground meat with a medley of sautéed vegetables, creating a savory base enriched by creamy soups and spices. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this comforting recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the salad oil, onion, green pepper, and celery in a pan until tender.
- Add the ground meat to the chopped vegetables and brown it.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, red pepper, chili powder, and Tabasco.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup and cream of tomato soup.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or longer if desired.
- Serve over spaghetti and top with grated cheese and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic along with the vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead. Adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process can enhance the depth of the sauce, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the souped up spaghetti over a bed of al dente spaghetti noodles, and top with freshly grated cheese and Parmesan for an extra touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, consider serving it alongside a Cream Cheese Ball as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover souped up spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water if it appears dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Souped Up Spaghetti contains roughly 199 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (183% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% 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 use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Each type will give the dish its unique taste, so feel free to experiment with your favorite options.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, using hot sauce instead of Tabasco can also amp up the spice level to your liking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting ground meat with plant-based alternatives and using vegetable soup instead of cream soups. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, meat-free meal without sacrificing 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).