Baked spaghetti with Italian sausage is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Featuring a rich tomato-based sauce and savory Italian sausage, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious and ready in a hurry.
Ingredients
This dish requires a few simple ingredients, such as:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
Making this delicious dish is easy. First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened and lightly browned, about five minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the sausage and sauce to the pot and mix everything together.
Transfer the spaghetti and sausage mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top it with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Serve the baked spaghetti with Italian sausage warm. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your tastes. Feel free to add in some vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini. You can also swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey. For a vegan version, try using Beyond Meat or tempeh. You can also spice up the dish by adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
FAQs
What kind of tomatoes should I use for this dish?
For this dish, you should use canned crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. This will give the sauce a nice, thick texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven or in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I use regular spaghetti instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, regular spaghetti can be used in place of Italian sausage. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
Can I use other cheeses in this dish?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyere. You can also omit the cheese altogether if you prefer.
