Spaghetti Casserole(Oven: 350~ For 15 To 20 Minutes. Yields 6 Servings.)
A hearty spaghetti casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 can water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 (6 to 8 oz.) pkg. spaghetti noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sharp cheese, cut in chunks ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar olives ⓘ
- 3/4 c. grated cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large skillet.
- Add chopped bell pepper, chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, water, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 hours.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- Combine the meat sauce, cooked spaghetti, chunks of sharp cheese, and olives in a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, consider using ground turkey instead of ground chuck. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade roux for a fresher taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. To save time, prep your veggies in advance or use frozen pre-chopped vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Spaghetti Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a bit of freshness, serve with a side of Creamed Beets. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the casserole before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Casserole(Oven: 350~ For 15 To 20 Minutes. Yields 6 Servings.) contains roughly 278 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1975mg per serving (86% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in a preheated oven.
What can I substitute for the olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can leave them out entirely or substitute them with capers for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, chopped artichoke hearts or even diced pickles can add a unique twist to the dish.
Can I freeze the Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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).