Spaghetti Stew
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti stew combining tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory Italian sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and those craving a rich, satisfying meal with bold flavors and a comforting, homemade feel.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place ground beef in a crock-pot and brown on high for 1 hour, breaking up the meat.
- Add Italian sauce, water, chopped celery, chopped green onions, tomatoes, soup, and V-8 juice to the crock-pot.
- Cook spaghetti separately; drain and add to the stew.
- Continue cooking on high for 1 hour, then on low for 2 or more hours.
- To serve, top with grated cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the stew. If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. You can also use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option. Adjust the amount of garlic salt to your taste; fresh minced garlic can be used for a bolder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti stew hot, garnished with freshly grated cheddar cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or alongside the Easy Good Lasagna for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain consistency. It can also be microwaved in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Stew contains roughly 11 calories, with 1g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 stew ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spaghetti stew can be made a day in advance. Just follow the recipe and let it cool before refrigerating. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving to enjoy the flavors that have melded overnight.
What can I add for extra veggies?
You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to this stew for additional nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them in with the celery and green onions to ensure they cook evenly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables to enhance the flavor. This creates a hearty, vegetarian-friendly spaghetti stew.
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).