Confetti Spaghetti

Even the name of this dish—confetti spaghetti—sounds like a party, and this fabulous baked pasta recipe absolutely deserves an invite to your next soiree. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s a smash hit with both adults and kids, and it works beautifully either as an entree or a side.

Confetti spaghetti gets its name from the colorful bits of diced peppers, tomatoes and onions, which bring just as much flavor as they do flair. Cheesy, beefy and zesty, this baked twist on spaghetti comes together in under an hour, making it irresistible for a busy weeknight or a celebration. Bonus: The leftovers are just as irresistible (cue the confetti).

Confetti Spaghetti Ingredients

• Spaghetti
• Ground beef
• Green pepper
• Onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Chili powder
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions.

Step 2: Brown the beef and add the flavorings

In a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, then drain it. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, salt, chili powder, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.

Step 3: Add the pasta

Drain the spaghetti, and add it to the beef mixture.

Step 4: Bake the pasta

Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and bake until the cheese has melted, about five minutes more.

How to Store Confetti Spaghetti

Once it’s completely cooled, leftover confetti spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To extend its life, freeze portions for up to three months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw the leftovers in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Confetti Spaghetti Tips

What else can I add to give even more color to confetti spaghetti?

To bring more colorful confetti to the pasta, add diced carrots, yellow bell peppers or finely chopped broccoli when browning the meat. Black olives, corn kernels and a blend of yellow and white cheeses are also great options.

Will confetti spaghetti work as a vegetarian option?

Absolutely. Since this baked pasta already features vegetables for color, you can easily omit the meat or swap in a plant-based meat substitute for the ground beef. Mushrooms, beans or lentils make great meatless additions that will create umami flavor and provide meaty taste and texture in a plant-based version of this dish.

Can this confetti spaghetti recipe be made gluten-free?

You bet it can. Just substitute the packaged spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free brand. One thing to avoid is overcooking the pasta. Depending on the brand and grain used, some gluten-free pastas lose their shape when overcooked. We recommend boiling the pasta until just al dente, since it will continue to cook in the oven.