Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd
Try this Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd recipe.
Try this Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd recipe.
- 1 t olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 t oregano
- fresh basil to garnish
- 2 t sea salt
- 1 large sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 t basil
- 2.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 t red pepper flakes
- 2 jars (24 oz) good quality marinara (i had some rao's ho
- 1/2 jar of water or chicken stock
- 1 8 oz package light cream cheese or neufchatel cheese (a no french)
- 2 pkgs high protein spaghetti cooked according to directions for al dente (just before done)
- 16 oz part skim mozzarella shredded cheese
- 8 oz shredded parmesan
- 4 oz shredded fontina (optional)
- Carbohydrate 3.53073082514 g
- Cholesterol 75.0317378588333 mg
- Fat 15.8183374520267 g
- Fiber 0.435499991834164 g
- Protein 26.43304838044 g
- Saturated Fat 7.28360360302167 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -14 (191g)
- Sodium 385.527225392333 mg
- Sugar 3.09523083330584 g
- Trans Fat 1.34840221490417 g
- Calories 267 calories
Step-by-step
- Start by heating oil in a very large skillet.
- Saute onion and garlic until just tender.
- Add in the beef and break up as you brown it. Get it evenly crumbled as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add the seasonings and stir.
- Add in the jars of sauce. Stir.
- Bring to a low boil and turn heat down to low.
- Add the cream cheese and let it melt completely.
- Add the water, cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Stir and check for evaporation. If you need a little more water, that's fine.
- Cover and simmer another 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and keep covered.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Prepare pasta.
- Lightly spray 2 9x13 baking dishes.
- When the pasta is done, layer a thin bed of pasta in each.
- Top with meat sauce and then mozzarella.
- Repeat layers in both dishes 3 times.
- Top each with half the Parmesan and half the Fontina, if using.
- Cover with foil and bake in preheat oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal for my family can often feel like a Herculean task. Weekends are precious, a time for family bonding, not slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of recipes that are both impressive and surprisingly simple. This Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd is exactly that – a showstopper that comes together quickly and effortlessly.
The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone to the table. The rich, savory meat sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and melted cheeses create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. But the beauty of this dish goes beyond its taste. It's incredibly versatile. I often adjust it based on what's in my pantry and my family's preferences. Sometimes I add mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra veggies. Other times, I swap out the Fontina cheese for another favorite, like provolone or even a sharp cheddar. The possibilities are truly endless!
The key to this recipe's success lies in its simplicity. It's all about layering. The pasta, the rich meat sauce, and the gooey mozzarella create a comforting and satisfying culinary experience. Preparing the components ahead of time makes assembling and baking the dish a breeze. You can even prep the meat sauce the night before, saving you even more precious time on a busy weeknight. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. It's the perfect recipe for a family gathering, potluck, or just a relaxed Sunday supper.
One of the things I love most about this baked spaghetti is its ability to feed a crowd. It's easily scalable – double the recipe, and you’ll have enough to feed a small army. Perfect for those occasions when you have friends and family over. The leftovers are also fantastic, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights ahead. Simply reheat and enjoy the same delicious flavors all over again.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the memories created around the table. The laughter, the conversations, the shared moments – these are the things that truly make a meal special. This Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd isn't just a recipe; it's an invitation to create those warm and lasting memories with the people you love. It's a recipe that embodies the heart of home cooking – simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini into the meat sauce.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses – provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites.
- Meatless option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the meat sauce a day in advance to save time on the day you’re serving.
This Easy Baked Spaghetti for a Crowd isn't just a meal; it’s an experience. So gather your loved ones, prepare this comforting dish, and let the delicious aroma and unforgettable flavors fill your home with warmth and happiness.
Serving suggestions: Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the baked spaghetti. The crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious meat sauce.
Enjoy!
