Spam-A-Roni
A savory pasta dish featuring diced Spam, ground meat, and fresh vegetables simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil elbows until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, fry ground meat until browned.
- Add diced onion and green pepper to the meat and cook until softened.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and chopped Italian style tomatoes to the pan.
- Mix in parsley flakes, oregano, garlic salt, pepper, and basil leaves.
- Cut Spam into small cubes and add to the sauce.
- Combine cooked elbows with the sauce and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat everything through and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Spam-A-Roni, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you're looking for a healthier twist, swap ground meat for turkey or a plant-based alternative. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can also be substituted with dried versions, but remember to adjust the quantities since dried herbs are more potent.
Serving Suggestions
Spam-A-Roni is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of Vegetable Marinated Salad for a refreshing crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal, consider a light dessert like fruit salad or ice cream to balance the savory dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spam-A-Roni contains roughly 357 calories, with 35g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (70% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. At about 357 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 instead of elbows?
Absolutely! While elbows work well, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type for the best texture.
Is it possible to make Spam-A-Roni vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meat and Spam, and add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers. You could also use a plant-based meat substitute to keep the texture similar.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick that complements the other flavors well.
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).