Spaghetti Beef Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or shortening.
- Cook spaghetti twists according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the beef mixture and transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti or even substitute with other pasta shapes. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef for a lighter version. For a creamier texture, mix in some sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with Tomato, Hamburger Casserole for a hearty dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti beef casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Beef Casserole contains roughly 65 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1215mg per serving (53% 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 refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes with added seasoning. Alternatively, marinara sauce works well and adds additional flavor to the dish.
Can I freeze spaghetti beef casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding time if needed.
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).