Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

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Old-School Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients

  • Pasta:
  • 454 grams rotini (or elbow/spaghetti)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Vegetable and Meat Mixture:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (white or yellow, diced)
  • 227 grams mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 500 grams ground sirloin (or beef)
  • Sauce and Cheese:
  • 794 grams red pasta sauce
  • 1/2 liter grated cheese (Mozzarella, Italian Blend, or Cheddar)
  • 60 ml sour cream
  • 1/2 liter cottage cheese
  • 1/2 liter cream cheese (softened)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
  • Using a hand blender, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese in a medium mixing bowl until well mixed.
  1. Cook Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the rotini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  1. Sauté Vegetables:
  • In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced green pepper, onion, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  1. Cook Meat:
  • Add ground sirloin to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
  1. Combine Sauce:
  • Add the jar of red pasta sauce to the meat mixture and heat until warmed through.
  1. Layer Ingredients:
  • Grease a 9×12 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the cooked pasta in the dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta, followed by the meat sauce.
  1. Bake:
  • Cover the dish with foil (spraying the underside with oil to prevent sticking). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  1. Serve:
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

History

Spaghetti, a staple of Italian cuisine, has its origins in southern Italy. The dish became popular in the United States through Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The combination of pasta with various sauces, meats, and cheeses reflects the adaptability of Italian cooking, embracing local ingredients and preferences.

Benefits

  • Nutritional Value: Pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while vegetables add vitamins and fiber. The inclusion of protein from the beef and dairy enhances the meal’s nutritional profile.
  • Filling and Satisfying: This dish is hearty, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings.
  • Versatile: You can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheese blends.

Methods

  • Baking: This method allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious crispy layer on top.
  • Substitutions: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
  • Freezing: The dish can be prepared in advance and frozen. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.

Enjoy this comforting and delicious old-school spaghetti dish!

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