Lizzie'S Baked Spaghetti
A hearty baked spaghetti dish with a flavorful tomato sauce, melted Cheddar cheese, and a satisfying layered texture, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti al dente.
- Combine tomatoes, diced onion, salt, pepper, and sugar to make the sauce.
- In a greased casserole, layer cooked spaghetti, tomato sauce mixture, and shredded Cheddar cheese, then repeat layers, ending with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring twice during baking to keep moist.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce. If you prefer a meatier dish, ground beef or sausage can be layered in the casserole. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different taste. To save time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lizzie's Baked Spaghetti with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, or pair it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner. You could also enjoy it alongside Buttermilk Pound Cake (This Is A Very Moist Cake) for dessert. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lizzie'S Baked Spaghetti contains roughly 395 calories, with 15g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1804mg per serving (78% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, about 3-4 medium-sized ones, chopped. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can also work well, adjusting the seasoning as needed for flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Lizzie's Baked Spaghetti is a great option for vegetarian recipes. It is completely meat-free, making it a delicious choice for those following a vegetarian diet. Just ensure you use vegetarian cheese if you want to keep it fully vegetarian.
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).