Italian Spaghetti Bake

This hearty casserole recipe makes two large baking dishes. The tasty layers of meat sauce, spaghetti and gooey cheese are sure to appeal to pizza-loving kids…and adults. You'll bring home empty pans when you take this to a potluck.

Italian Spaghetti Bake

Average Rating: 4.3

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 20 min.
YIELD: 2 casseroles (8 servings each).

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (one 16 ounces, one 8 ounces) spaghetti
  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large green pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 1 package (8 ounces) sliced pepperoni
  • 1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
  • 1 can (3.8 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • 1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, olives and seasonings. Drain spaghetti.
  • 2. Spoon 1 cup meat mixture into each of two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Layer with spaghetti and remaining meat mixture. Sprinkle with cheeses.
  • 3. Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Bake the remaining casserole, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
  • 4.
    To use frozen casserole:
    Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 415 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.