Baked Spaghetti With Italian Sausage Recipe
If you're looking for a hearty, delicious meal that's easy to make and sure to please a crowd, look no further than baked spaghetti with Italian sausage. This classic dish combines tender pasta, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce, all baked together for a mouth-watering meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Variations:
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
- Add some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Try using a different type of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
- Top with some sliced black olives or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion:
Baked spaghetti with Italian sausage is a delicious, comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!