Spaghetti Bake(Very Easy Dish That Kids Love!!)
This hearty spaghetti bake combines tender cooked pasta with a savory meat sauce, melted mozzarella, and flavorful herbs, making it a family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Its rich tomato and beef flavors appeal to kids and adults alike, offering a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 8 oz. spaghetti, broken, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushroom stems and pieces, sugar, crushed oregano, salt, and crushed basil.
- Bring the meat mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding Italian sausage along with the ground beef. You can substitute canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes if in season. To save time, use pre-cooked spaghetti or even swap in penne for a fun twist. For a healthier version, try ground turkey and whole wheat pasta. This dish is perfect for using leftovers, similar to Hamburger Upside Down.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti bake with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light green salad to balance the richness. For a comforting touch, sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top before baking. This dish can also be a great side for any classic Italian meal, like Pizza Quick Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Ensure it's evenly heated for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Bake(Very Easy Dish That Kids Love!!) contains roughly 476 calories, with 26g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2150mg per serving (93% 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 freeze the spaghetti bake?
Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti bake before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and store for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through. If baked, simply cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Each option will bring its unique flavor, but ensure to adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain the dish's overall taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the meat mixture. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick. Experimenting with spices can elevate the dish, just as with Chili Spiced Beef And Bean Stew.
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).