New Orleans Style Baked Spaghetti Recipe
New Orleans is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, and one dish that stands out is their baked spaghetti. This recipe is a twist on the traditional spaghetti recipe, with a unique blend of spices and ingredients that give it a distinct flavor. If you're looking to try something new and exciting, then this New Orleans style baked spaghetti recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
This recipe is delicious as is, but there are a few variations you can try to switch things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique twist.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Conclusion
This New Orleans style baked spaghetti recipe is a tasty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. The blend of spices and ingredients creates a unique flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Give it a try and see for yourself why it's such a popular dish in the Big Easy!
