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Bare Cupboards Dinner Party Casseroles Recipe

Impress your guests with this hearty, budget-friendly Italian beef and spinach casserole! This recipe, inspired by a resourceful 1973 Family Circle article and passed down through generations, makes TWO delicious casseroles – one for tonight's dinner party and one to freeze for later. Perfect for using up pantry staples, this adaptable recipe lets you swap in your favorite veggies like roasted red peppers or mushrooms. Get ready to wow your friends with a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that's surprisingly easy on the wallet!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Calories 222.9 kcal
Protein 39g
Rating 4.2 (6 Reviews)
Bare Cupboards Dinner Party Casseroles

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Bare Cupboards Dinner Party Casseroles

  • Lean Ground Beef
  • Olive Oil
  • Onions
  • Celery & Leaves
  • Carrots
  • Italian Style Tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Garlic Powder
  • Pasta Noodles
  • Frozen Chopped Spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Bare Cupboards Dinner Party Casseroles

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, cooked pasta, spinach, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
  6. Pour the mixture into two greased 9x13 inch baking dishes.
  7. Top each casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, add extra cheese if desired!
  9. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

31 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

21g

Carbs

4g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American For Large Groups Main Dish Beef Pasta Vegetables American Oven European Potluck Dinner Party Italian Oamc Freezer Make Ahead Ground Beef Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Elbow Macaroni Tomatoes Taste Mood Savory To Go Equipment Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less