This hearty spaghetti casserole combines tender pasta with a robust sauce made from ground chuck, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. The mixture is baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs for a delightful textural contrast. ItâÂÂs a crowd-pleasing main dish that delivers warm, savory comfort in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish requires minimal active cooking time and uses pantry staples. The result is a satisfying, home-style meal that reheats well and appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Easy Spaghetti Casserole
Description
This hearty spaghetti casserole combines tender pasta with a robust sauce made from ground chuck, sautéed vegetables, and herbs. The mixture is baked until bubbly and topped with melted cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs for a delightful textural contrast. ItâÂÂs a crowd-pleasing main dish that delivers warm, savory comfort in every bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish requires minimal active cooking time and uses pantry staples. The result is a satisfying, home-style meal that reheats well and appeals to both kids and adults alike.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350ðF (175ðC). Lightly oil a large baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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In a large Dutch oven or skillet, cook ground chuck over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
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Add chopped onion, green pepper, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
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Stir in the can of peeled tomatoes (crushed slightly), tomato sauce, basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
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Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
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Remove the bay leaf. Stir the cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until evenly combined.
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Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the bread crumbs evenly over the top.
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Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
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Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 305.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.4g20%
- Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
- Cholesterol 72.0mg24%
- Sodium 77.7mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 25.7g9%
- Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
- Sugars 5.9g
- Protein 25.3g51%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.