Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs
Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations. This dish is a perfect combination of spaghetti, meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce that is baked to perfection. It is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs
The ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find in any grocery store. You will need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions for Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's get started on making this delicious dish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, and oregano. Mix well.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch balls.
- In a large skillet, cook the meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the spaghetti and meatballs to a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti and meatballs.
- Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations of Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs
While the classic Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs recipe is already delicious, there are some variations you can try to add a little twist to this dish:
- Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a healthier option.
- Add some chopped vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, instead of mozzarella.
- Top the dish with some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added flavor.
Conclusion
Old Chicago Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs is a classic dish that is sure to please everyone. It is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try?
