Italian > Baked Pasta

Gloria's Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- 9x13 inch baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
4. Add spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to combine.
5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and stir to coat.
6. Transfer spaghetti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1100mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 31g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used instead of mozzarella.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the ground beef.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet for added vegetables.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain the ground beef after cooking to remove excess fat.
- Don't overcook the spaghetti before adding it to the skillet, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a high-quality spaghetti sauce for the best flavor.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread and a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the spaghetti seems dry after baking, add a little extra spaghetti sauce before serving.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Baked spaghetti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern United States.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot out of the oven with a side salad and garlic bread.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting, Hearty