Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is a classic comfort food that has been a favorite of families for generations. It’s a budget-friendly and easy-to-make meal that combines the rich flavors of tomato sauce, ground beef, and melted cheese. Baked spaghetti can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and convenient dinner.
Here’s a recipe for Baked Spaghetti:

Serving size and preparation time:

This recipe serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. The total time required from start to finish is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and onion, and cook for an additional minute or two.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, and toss to combine.
8. Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti.
10. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
12. Enjoy your delicious Baked Spaghetti!

Notes:

You could also add some additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a vegetarian version, you could omit the ground beef and use a meatless ground beef substitute, or simply add more vegetables to the sauce.

Serving suggestions:

1. Baked spaghetti is a hearty and filling dish that can be served on its own or with a side salad and some garlic bread. Here are a few serving suggestions:
2. Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the baked spaghetti. Add some chopped fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or carrots, to add some color and texture to the salad.
3. Add some garlic bread: Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to pasta dishes. You can either make your own garlic bread by toasting sliced bread with garlic butter and herbs, or you can buy a pre-made garlic bread from the store.
4. Top with fresh herbs: Before serving, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top of the baked spaghetti. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
5. Pair with a red wine: Baked spaghetti pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon. This can be a nice addition to a dinner party or a cozy night in.

Overall, baked spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to the sauce. Enjoy!