Wednesday, 21 March 2012

• Baked Spaghetti

  

  I'm on Spring Break officially starting today, from work and school! So I expect to be cooking a lot during this week, and to kick it off, I'm going to share this recipe that I made on Thursday. It's really delicious and comforting and it's like a huge warm hug in a pan. I can say really nice things about this, but at the end of the day, it's up to you if you try it! 
  
  I found this recipe from a Paula Deen magazine that I bought about a year ago, but I do believe it's in her 2nd cookbook as well.
  
  
  You will need:

  • 1 1/2 lbs of ground chuck (hamburger meat) (also I only used 1lb & it came out great!)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (You really need this! It makes a difference!)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Seasoning Salt
  • Garlic powder, ground black pepper & salt to taste.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 8 ounces angel hair pasta
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 (8 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded (I didn't have all these cheeses on hand, I just what I had, you can do the same!)

  
  In a large saucepan, cook ground chuck, pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat, stirring until beef is browned & crumbly and vegetables are tender; drain well.
  
  In the same pot (make sure it's a pretty good size) combine meat mixture, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Seasoned Salt, & sugar. Bring mixture to a boil stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. [I accidentally covered it, and I have no idea what the difference would be? Maybe preventing your stove top from being dirty?] 
  
  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees during this time.
  
  Cook pasta according to package, & cook until done. Drain & set aside. I wouldn't do this too soon though, or it will make your noodles get stuck together & hard!
  
  Spray a 13x9 ince baking dish with non stick cooking spray. 
  
  Spoon one-third of sauce mixture over bottom of baking dish, then add the pasta, then the cheese. Do this two more times, ending with the sauce. Reserving 1/3 of the cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes. top with remaining cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes. Remove from oven & let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into squares, garnish with parsley.

  
  I know it seems like a lot of steps, & a lot of ingredients, but it's super easy to make! I made this after work, & it came together rather quickly and easily. I hope you give this one a try!! Also I didn't use all of the sauce, that's just my personal choice, I ended up freezing a small bag for the next time. 
  
  Best dishes!
  -Katherine 

  • 11:00 AM
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