Introduction
Are you in the mood for a delicious and comforting pasta dish? Look no further than Paula Deen’s famous baked spaghetti recipe! This mouth-watering dish is sure to impress, and is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing not one, but two different versions of Paula Deen’s baked spaghetti recipe, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste. Let’s get started!
Recipe 1: Classic Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine spaghetti and sauce mixture in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 560
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
- Sodium: 1218mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 34g
Cooking Time
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot for spaghetti
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delicious baked spaghetti with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, try switching out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also add in your favorite veggies, like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, for an extra healthy boost.
Substitutions
If you don’t have spaghetti sauce on hand, you can use a can of crushed tomatoes instead. You can also use any type of pasta you like, such as penne or rigatoni.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
To make this dish even easier, you can prep the meat and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and freezing. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe 2: Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Alfredo sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine spaghetti and sauce mixture in a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 630
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 126mg
- Sodium: 1152mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 34g
Cooking Time
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot for spaghetti
- 9×13 inch baking dish
Serving Suggestions
Pair this decadent baked spaghetti with a glass of red wine and a side of roasted vegetables for a truly indulgent meal.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the sauce for an extra pop of flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have Alfredo sauce on hand, you can use a jar of your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce instead. You can also use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar or fontina.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
To make this dish even creamier, you can add in a cup of ricotta cheese to the spaghetti and sauce mixture before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting pasta dish, look no further than Paula Deen’s baked spaghetti recipe. Whether you prefer the classic version or the Alfredo version, both are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious this dish can be?