Best Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Are you tired of the same old spaghetti routine and looking to shake things up in the kitchen? Well, say hello to your new favorite go-to dish – Baked Spaghetti Casserole!
This delightful twist on the classic spaghetti recipe takes your taste buds on a flavorful journey while adding a touch of warmth and comfort to your dinner table.
What substitutions can I use in the baked spaghetti recipe?
First things first, let’s talk about the star of the show – the banza protein pasta made from chickpeas. If you’re aiming for a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste, this substitution is a game-changer.
Banza pasta is not only gluten-free but also packed with protein, making it a guilt-free choice that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.
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The chickpea-based pasta adds a unique nutty undertone to the dish, elevating the overall taste experience. Plus, it’s an excellent option for those who are looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diets.
Table of Contents
Now, let’s dive into the magic of the Baked Spaghetti Casserole itself.
This dish is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, combining al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and a generous layer of gooey melted cheese.
The casserole is baked to perfection, creating a golden crust on top while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. The result?
A comforting, family-friendly meal that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve.
One of the best things about this baked recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Add extra veggies, play around with different cheese combinations, or even throw in some herbs for an extra kick.
The Baked Spaghetti Casserole is like a blank canvas waiting for your culinary creativity to shine.
Ingredients you will need for Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- 1 pound of Banza protein pasta or favorite regular pasta – Serves as the hearty base, with Banza offering extra protein and fiber.
- 1 pound ground meat (beef or turkey) – Adds protein and savory depth, with turkey being a leaner option.
- 1 onion, finely chopped – Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for flavor.
- 1 green bell pepper – Adds a mild crunch and a slightly sweet, earthy taste.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with a bold, savory aroma.
- 1 (14.5 oz) jar diced tomatoes – Contributes freshness, acidity, and texture to the sauce.
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce – Creates a rich, flavorful base with a blend of tomatoes and seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that enhances the dish with classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Balances and enhances all the other ingredients.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully to add creaminess and a gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping – Brings a nutty, salty kick to the final dish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch.
How to Prepare Bake Spaghetti Casserole?
Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures that it’s ready to go once your casserole is assembled.
Follow the package instructions to cook the Banza protein pasta (or your chosen pasta) until it’s al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it to be too soft.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s browned and cooked through.
Add the onions and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté. Once translucent, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes)
Pour the spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the meat, onions, and garlic. Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the meat and sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, and finish it off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that extra layer of flavor.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve your Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
How do I store my Leftovers?
Now, let’s talk about the inevitable leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have some of this delicious casserole left, fear not – it reheats like a dream!
For optimal leftover storage, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
To maintain the integrity of the pasta and prevent it from becoming mushy, consider storing the sauce separately.
This way, you can reheat the pasta and sauce separately, combining them for a fresh and flavorful experience.
When reheating, a microwave does the job quickly and efficiently, but if you want to recapture that crispy top layer, consider using the oven.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake until heated through.
Remember to sprinkle a bit of water over the pasta to add some moisture before reheating to keep it from drying out.
Equipment You’ll Need
To prepare this baked spaghetti casserole, you’ll need:
In conclusion, the Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, and the substitution of Banza protein pasta adds a healthy and tasty dimension.
With its ease of preparation, adaptability, and fantastic leftovers, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9×13 glass baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound of Banza protein pasta or favorite regular pasta
- 1 pound ground meat beef or turkey
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz jar diced tomatoes
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce
- 2 T Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This ensures that it's ready to go once your casserole is assembled.
- Follow the package instructions to cook the Banza protein pasta (or your chosen pasta) until it’s al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it to be too soft.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s browned and cooked through. Add the onions and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté. Once translucent, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes)
- Pour the spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the meat, onions, and garlic. Add the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the meat and sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top, and finish it off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that extra layer of flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve your Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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