Originally made with Franco-American canned spaghetti, this beloved family recipe is now prepared with the closest modern equivalent, Campbell’s canned spaghetti. It’s a hearty, comforting casserole that brings back memories of simple home-cooked meals, combining canned spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, onion, and creamy Velveeta cheese.
A touch of ketchup adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness, creating a dish that is cheesy, beefy, savory, and slightly sweet all at once. It’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that warms both the stomach and the heart—perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Family History
This recipe has been passed down through generations of our family. It comes from Mary Jean Dickey Barker, my husband’s grandmother. She remembered her own mother making this dish in 1951, when Mary Jean was in the first grade. More than 70 years later, we’re still enjoying the same comforting flavors and preserving a cherished piece of family history.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cans Campbell’s Spaghetti
(The original 1951 family recipe called for Franco-American Spaghetti.) - 1 can pork and beans
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (a modern addition; not in the original recipe)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- Twelve (12) 15.8 oz cans of Campbell’s Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce with Cheese
- Spaghetti with the perfect blend of rich, sweet tomato sauce and mild cheese for a tasty flavor
- This canned spaghetti is shelf-stable and easy to store, making it a great year-round pantry staple in any busy househol…
Directions
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Stir in the Campbell’s Spaghetti, pork and beans, ketchup, and Velveeta cheese.
Add the Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, if using. (This was not part of the original family recipe but adds a little extra flavor.)
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is heated through and the cheese is completely melted, about 30 minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy a taste of our family history.
Try with Fritos!
Thank you for trying another family favorite,
Mary
@Southernspoon