Baked spaghetti

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Introduction

Baked spaghetti is a comforting, flavorful twist on traditional pasta dishes. Packed with seasoned ground meat, tender spaghetti, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a family-friendly meal that brings everyone to the table. This dish is beloved for its ability to blend savory flavors into one casserole-style meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, baked spaghetti is a satisfying classic.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti:

  • 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta
  • Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
  1. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
  • Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  1. Make the Sauce
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, and chili flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  1. Combine and Assemble
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with half of the sauce.
  • Spread a thin layer of the remaining sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the spaghetti mixture evenly over the sauce.
  • Top with the rest of the sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  1. Bake
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  1. Serve
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

History

Baked pasta dishes trace their origins to Italian-American cuisine, where families adapted traditional Italian recipes to suit local ingredients and preferences. Over time, dishes like baked spaghetti emerged as a hearty, budget-friendly meal that could feed a crowd and store well as leftovers.

Benefits

  1. Nutrition: Provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats.
  2. Convenience: Perfect for meal prepping or feeding large groups.
  3. Flavorful Layers: The combination of baked cheese and rich tomato sauce adds depth.
  4. Customizable: Add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms or swap beef for turkey for a leaner option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximation)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Fiber: 6 g

Conclusion

Baked spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food. It combines simplicity with bold flavors to create a dish that’s universally loved. Serve it at gatherings, and you’ll see smiles all around!

Lovers of this dish: Families, kids, and pasta enthusiasts alike cherish baked spaghetti for its nostalgic and indulgent taste

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