Baked Spaghetti
Spaghetti with meat sauce, mozzarella and provolone cheese, baked until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Baked spaghetti is generally considered an Italian-American creation, evolving from traditional Italian spaghetti dishes. The addition of copious amounts of cheese and baking into a casserole reflects American culinary preferences and convenience.
Baked spaghetti is a common comfort food in American households, often served for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings. It represents a fusion of Italian culinary traditions with American convenience and abundance.
Family Meal
Baked spaghetti is frequently made in large batches, making it ideal for feeding families and groups. It's a dish that encourages sharing and communal dining.
Potlucks and Gatherings
Due to its ease of transport and serving, baked spaghetti is a popular dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, and other social events.
Comfort Food
The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making baked spaghetti a quintessential comfort food for many Americans.
Baked spaghetti features a rich and savory flavor profile, blending the comforting taste of pasta with hearty meat sauce and the melted, gooey goodness of mozzarella and provolone cheeses.
The dominant flavors come from the seasoned ground meat in the sauce, typically including garlic, onions, and Italian herbs like oregano and basil. The tomato sauce provides a sweet and acidic backbone, while the cheeses contribute a creamy, salty, and slightly tangy element. Baking caramelizes the cheese, adding a nutty and browned flavor to the overall dish.
Sauce Consistency
Ensure the meat sauce isn't too watery, as this can lead to a soggy baked spaghetti. Simmer the sauce for an extended period to allow it to thicken and concentrate its flavors.
Cheese Layering
Layer the mozzarella and provolone cheeses throughout the spaghetti, not just on top, to ensure even distribution and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Don't Overbake
Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Overbaking can dry out the spaghetti and make the cheese tough.
Pre-cook the pasta
Cook the spaghetti al dente before baking it, to avoid it becoming mushy after baking.
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