Spaghetti For A Crowd
A hearty, flavorful spaghetti dish with rich tomato sauce, ground beef, mushrooms, and a blend of spices, perfect for feeding a crowd or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/4 c. butter ⓘ
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 12 oz. mushrooms (3 cans of 4 oz. each) ⓘ
- 45 oz. tomato sauce (3 cans of 15 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 can tomato pieces (15 oz.) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot.
- Add all other ingredients except the spaghetti to the skillet.
- Let the mixture simmer to develop flavors.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss to combine.
- Serve hot or freeze for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some chopped onion or bell pepper while browning the beef. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen spaghetti can be used. You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef to vary the flavor. Additionally, feel free to use jarred marinara sauce if you're looking for a shortcut. This dish can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a hearty option, consider serving it alongside Zesty Italian Mini Loaves for a flavorful twist. Leftovers also make a great lunch option the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the spaghetti and sauce in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti For A Crowd contains roughly 205 calories, with 9g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 681mg per serving (30% 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 spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the sauce and cook the spaghetti, then combine them right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to keep it moist.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this spaghetti vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or extra mushrooms. You can also enhance the flavor by adding more herbs and spices to the sauce, ensuring it remains hearty and satisfying.
What can I do with leftover spaghetti?
Leftover spaghetti can be repurposed in many delicious ways. Consider turning it into a spaghetti casserole by layering it with cheese and baking until bubbly. Alternatively, you can toss it with some sautéed vegetables for a quick stir-fry or use it as a filling for Italian recipes like stuffed peppers.
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).