Mama Shapiro'S Famous Baked Spaghetti
Creamy baked spaghetti with cheese and tomato soup, perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and a hearty texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 340°F (170°C).
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until soft.
- Drain spaghetti.
- Do not rinse.
- Mix butter, tomato soup, milk, cheeses, salt, and white pepper together.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the mixture and combine well.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of ricotta cheese or substituting part of the milk with cream. If you're short on time, pre-cooked spaghetti can also work. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a unique flavor twist. To enhance the dish, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, which pairs beautifully with the baked spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama Shapiro's Famous Baked Spaghetti with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a lovely touch. For a fun dessert, consider pairing it with Aunt Jan's Apple Crumble, which offers a delightful finish to your Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spaghetti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just add a splash of milk to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Shapiro'S Famous Baked Spaghetti contains roughly 1574 calories, with 55g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (110% of the Daily Value), iron (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute thin spaghetti with gluten-free pasta. Just ensure you follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time. The flavors of the baked dish will still shine through with this alternative.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the baked spaghetti ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply ensure all the ingredients you use are vegetarian-friendly. The recipe is inherently vegetarian since it does not contain meat, but you can also enhance the dish with additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
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).