East Indian Spaghetti
A hearty East Indian-inspired spaghetti casserole featuring spiced tomato sauce, savory sausage, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage meat or ground chuck in a skillet.
- Add chopped onions and cook until browned.
- Stir in chopped green pepper, tomatoes, mushrooms or fresh, pimento, salt, pepper, sugar, and curry powder.
- Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook 1/2 to 3/4 pound of thin spaghetti until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the cooked sauce over the spaghetti.
- Top with sliced Velveeta cheese.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. If you don't have Velveeta cheese, mozzarella or cheddar works well as a substitute. Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients. This dish can also be adapted for various tastes by using turkey sausage or meat alternatives for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the East Indian Spaghetti hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside curry rice or Indian corn for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 325°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of East Indian Spaghetti contains roughly 696 calories, with 13g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2241mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pork sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Ground beef also works well if you prefer a different flavor. Adjust the seasonings to suit the meat you choose.
What can I do if I don't have pimento?
If you don't have pimento, you can use roasted red peppers or omit it entirely. You could also try adding a small amount of diced bell peppers for a similar taste. The dish will still be flavorful without it.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the meat with a plant-based sausage or a mixture of lentils and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based products and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly if using.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).