Spaghetti(Very Good)
A hearty spaghetti casserole with savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 chopped garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 large chopped onion ⓘ
- 4 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef and ground pork to form meatballs.
- Fry meatballs, chopped garlic, and chopped onion in olive oil until browned.
- Add tomato juice, tomato paste, salt, red pepper, and oregano to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture covered for 2 hours.
- Add cream of mushroom soup and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the sauce and meatballs.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Top with green pepper rings.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or serve without baking if preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the sauce simmer for the full 2 hours; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or using Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish further.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside Carter'S Lasagna Deliciousa for a hearty Italian feast that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to maintain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti(Very Good) contains roughly 747 calories, with 25g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1578mg per serving (69% 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 use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to substitute with penne, fusilli, or any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type and package instructions.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply stir in a little water or extra tomato juice until it reaches your desired consistency. This will also help the flavors blend better and keep the dish moist.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce separately if you want to reheat them later.
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).