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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Entree

    Fried Spaghetti

    Published: Jan 22, 2025 by Lisa Killian ยท This post may contain affiliate links. Please read myย  disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe

    Fried Spaghetti is an easy and delicious spin on a classic that is a great way to elevate your leftovers! This flavorful dish is filled with tasty meat, hearty sauce, and comes together in no time!

    Fried Spaghetti in cast iron pan after reheating
    This is my favorite way to eat spaghetti!

    Whenever weโ€™d go to grandmaโ€™s house for dinner, she would make one of two things; salmon croquettes or fried spaghetti. This has become a staple family recipe that I love!

    My dad soon learned the ins and out of the recipe that we all loved and added a few of his touches that has really made this such a delicious weeknight meal!

    What is Fried spaghetti?

    Fried spaghetti is essentially leftover spaghetti fried in a pan the next day with a little water until heated through.

    close up of Fried Spaghetti in bowl
    The noodles are so plump after sitting overnight!

    Can this be made fresh or do you have to use leftover spaghetti?

    There are two ways to make this. You can cook everything up like normal spaghetti then "fry" it right away.ย  Or, the way I recommend, you can make the spaghetti then let it sit refrigerated overnight and fry it up the next day.

    Both way are great but let me tell you why leftover is spaghetti is the tastiest.

    Why use leftover spaghetti?

    When spaghetti sits over night it absorbs much of the sauce which creates an extra flavorful dish. If made fresh you still get some of that rich flavor much not quite as much as if it sat overnight in the refrigerator.

    ย 

    What you need for Fried Spaghetti:

    • Spaghetti Noodles
    • Spaghetti Sauce
    • Ground Sausage
    • Ground Beef
    • Sliced Mushrooms (optional)
    • Water
    • Garnish: Parmesan Cheese, Basil, Parsley
    Fried Spaghetti ingredients
    You only need a few ingredients to make this tasty meal!

    How to make fried spaghetti?

    • Cook the ground beef and ground sausage, then set aside.
    • Cook noodles according to packet instructions, then drain.
    cooked hamburger and sausage
    Cook meat until brown and cooked through.
    cooked spaghetti noodles
    Make noodles according to the package.
    • Mix in cooked ground beef, cooked ground sausage, mushroom, and spaghetti sauce to the cooked noodles.
    • Cover and refrigerate overnight. However, if you donโ€™t have the time to let it rest you can go straight to frying.
    spaghetti made in pot
    Just mix everything together.
    spaghettie after being refrigerated overnight
    Refrigerate overnight!

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    • To fry the spaghetti, get a large fry pan and heat over medium heat. Once hot add a 2-4 tbs of water and a good portion of spaghetti. If you have a lot of spaghetti you might need to work in batches.
    • Make sure to stir frequently so the spaghetti doesnโ€™t burn. Once itโ€™s heated through, garnish with parmesan, basil, or parsley and enjoy!
    Fried Spaghetti in bowl
    Refrigerating overnight is the best way to make this!

    Helpful Tip: If you are letting the spaghetti sit overnight add more sauce than you would if you were eating it fresh. Adding an extra can of spaghetti sauce helps the noodles absorb as much as they can!

    If you want a semi-homemade spaghetti sauce check out my favorite recipe here!

    Secret Ingredient: My dad always adds a few tablespoons of J. Lee Royโ€™s original sauce when he makes fried spaghetti and says itโ€™s the key to taking this recipe from delicious to crazy good.

    J. Lee Royโ€™s is mainly found on the west coast so if you live over there make sure to pick some up and try in this recipe! Itโ€™s great on chicken, burgers, and hot dogs too!

    How to store fried spaghetti?

    Store any leftovers in an air tight bag in the fridge. Spaghetti lasts between 3-5 days when refrigerated.

    Fried Spaghetti in fork
    It's hard to not get seconds and thirds when I make this!

    What to eat with fried spaghetti?

    Toast up some bread (homemade artisan or store-bought!) and top with butter and garlic or bruschetta, serve alongside a tasty green salad, or some baked brie!

    Variations

    Sauce: Use any of your favorite red sauces, homemade or canned!

    Cheese: While frying add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar for cheesy twist.

    Meat: Use ground buffalo or elk instead of ground beef if you are feeling adventurous.

    Heat: Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.

    If you like this recipe, make sure to check out my other family favorites like easy egg salad, candied bacon, maple brussel sprouts, this tasty orange jello salad!

    Fried Spaghetti pinterest pin
    Don't forget to pin this recipe!
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    Fried Spaghetti featured image

    Fried Spaghetti

    Fried Spaghetti is an easy and delicious spin on a classic that is a great way to elevate your leftovers! This flavorful dish is filled with tasty meat, hearty sauce, and comes together in no time!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Lisa Killian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients

    • ยฝ lb Italian sausage
    • ยฝ lb ground beef or buffalo or elk
    • 4 oz sliced mushrooms
    • 1-2 cans spaghetti sauce 24 oz cans, any flavor you like*
    • 8 oz spaghetti noodles
    • 4 tbs water
    • Garnish with parmesan cheese basil, and parsley

    Instructions

    • In a medium fry pan, cook ยฝ lb Italian sausage andยฝ lb ground beef or buffalo or elk
      ยฝ lb Italian sausage, ยฝ lb ground beef or buffalo or elk
    • Cook spaghetti 8 oz spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
      8 oz spaghetti noodles
    • Once cooked, drain noodles and add cooked sausage, ground beef, 4 oz sliced mushrooms, and 1-2 cans spaghetti sauce. Mix together.
      4 oz sliced mushrooms, 1-2 cans spaghetti sauce
    • Cover and refrigerate overnight. Allowing the spaghetti to cool overnight helps it absorb the sauce and produces the best result, however, if you donโ€™t have the time to let it rest you can go straight to frying.
    • Heat a medium fry pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot add 4 tbs water then the spaghetti. Depending on the size of your pan you may need to work in batches. Make sure to keep stirring the spaghetti so it doesnโ€™t burn, flipping occasionally.
      4 tbs water
    • Spaghetti is ready once itโ€™s heated through. Garnish with cheese, basil, and parsley.
      Garnish with parmesan cheese

    Notes

    Tips and Tricks
    • If you want to make your own spaghetti sauce, I recommend this recipe!
    • If you are making this to fry right away you will only need one can of sauce, if you are letting it sit overnight you will want to use 2 cans because the noodles will absorb a lot of sauce overnight.
    • If you live on the west coast pick up some J Lee Royโ€™s Dipping Sauce and add 2-4 tbs to the spaghetti- this is my dadโ€™s โ€œsecretโ€ ingredient that everyone always loves!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 411kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1380mg | Potassium: 1025mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 982IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg

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    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lisa says

      April 03, 2023 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe!

      Reply
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