Chili Spaghetti Casserole – Plain Chicken

Chili Spaghetti Casserole Recipe—comfort food at its best! Spaghetti, ground beef, onions, garlic, chili, tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, and French-fried onions. It’s crazy good, and it’s ready to eat in under an hour. It’s great for a potluck and tailgating!

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Ground Beef Casserole

This Chili Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the best of both worlds. Spaghetti noodles soaked in a rich, meaty chili sauce with just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. The chili and spaghetti meld together into a hearty, satisfying dish that’s cozy, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. Whether you’re craving a warm meal on a chilly night or simply want to switch up your pasta game, this casserole delivers big on flavor and comfort.

How to Make Chili Spaghetti Casserole

This dish is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, chili powder, garlic powder, chili, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and cooked pasta—season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Spread pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and top with shredded cheddar cheese and french fried onions. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. Garnish with parsley.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• Can substitute ground turkey for lower calories.
• Variations/Additions:
  • onions
  • bell peppers
  • jalapenos
  • red kidney beans
  • corn
  • cayenne pepper for a kick
• For extra flavor, substitute a packet of chili seasoning for the onion, chili powder, and garlic powder.
• I use a can of Hormel chili without beans, but you can use any canned chili you enjoy.
  • Can substitute and equal amount of leftover homemade chili.
  • Use a can of Skyline Chili for a Cincinnati chili casserole.
• Can I make Chili Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge.
  • For best results, bring the casserole dish to room temperature before baking as directed.
• Can I freeze Chili Spaghetti Casserole? Yes. Assemble the casserole and cover the pan with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to four months.
  • Thaw and bake as directed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What to Serve with Chili Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole has quickly become a family favorite! This is a bold and hearty dish that pairs perfectly with a few simple sides to round out the meal. 

Together, these sides create a comforting, well-rounded meal that’s sure to please. Looking for more side dish ideas? Here are some popular recipes from the website:

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Chili Spaghetti Casserole

Yield: 6 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Chili Spaghetti Casserole Recipe—comfort food at its best! Spaghetti, ground beef, onions, garlic, chili, tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese, and French-fried onions. It’s crazy good, and it’s ready to eat in under an hour. It’s great for a potluck and tailgating!

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

• Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain fat.

• In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, onion flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, chili, diced tomatoes undrained, sour cream, and cooked pasta.

• Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and French fried onions.

• Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until bubbly.

• Can substitute ground turkey for lower calories.
• Variations/Additions:
  • onions
  • bell peppers
  • jalapenos
  • red kidney beans
  • corn
  • cayenne pepper for a kick
• For extra flavor, substitute a packet of chili seasoning for the onion, chili powder, and garlic powder.
• I use a can of Hormel chili without beans, but you can use any canned chili you enjoy.
  • Can substitute and equal amount of leftover homemade chili.
  • Use a can of Skyline Chili for a Cincinnati chili casserole.
• Can I make Chili Spaghetti ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover the pan with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge.
  • For best results, bring the casserole dish to room temperature before baking as directed.
• Can I freeze Chili Spaghetti Casserole? Yes. Assemble the casserole and cover the pan with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to four months.
  • Thaw and bake as directed.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Steph