Spaghetti Bake Casserole
A hearty and cheesy spaghetti casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and tomato soup for a comforting family-friendly meal. The dish offers rich flavors with melted cheddar on top, perfect for weeknights or potlucks, and serves as a satisfying all-in-one dinner for those craving classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, butter, diced onion, and green pepper in a skillet.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- Mix the cooked hamburger mixture, spaghetti, tomato soup, and drained corn in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
- Cover generously with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian seasoning to the hamburger mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with cooked lentils or a meat substitute. You can use any type of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, instead of Cheddar. Experiment with adding vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Spaghetti Bake Casserole is delightful served with a side salad, like a refreshing Club Salad, or alongside garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Hamburg Macaroni Soup for a comforting dinner. For a festive touch, serve with a light dessert to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, making sure to stir halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Bake Casserole contains roughly 812 calories, with 20g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce. You may need to adjust the seasoning since tomato soup is often sweeter and more seasoned than plain tomatoes.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, increasing the cooking time.
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).