Baked Spaghetti Recipe

Here's a detailed recipe for baked spaghetti with homemade spaghetti sauce, including basil paste, fresh tomatoes, green squash, peppers, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, spaghetti noodles, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese:

Ingredients:

For the Homemade Spaghetti Sauce:

- 1 lb fresh tomatoes, diced

- 1 green squash (zucchini), diced

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tbsp basil paste

- 2 tsp Italian seasoning

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Baked Spaghetti:

- 1 lb spaghetti noodles

- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Make the Homemade Spaghetti Sauce:

1. **Prepare the Vegetables**:

- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

- Add the diced onions and cook until they start to soften (about 3-4 minutes).

- Add the diced green bell pepper and green squash, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, until they start to soften.

2. **Cook the Tomatoes and Add Seasonings**:

- Add the fresh tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to break down and form a sauce (about 10 minutes).

- Stir in the basil paste, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano.

- Season with salt and pepper to taste.

- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Spaghetti Noodles:

3. **Cook the Spaghetti**:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble and Bake the Spaghetti:

4. **Combine the Noodles and Sauce**:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles with the homemade spaghetti sauce. Mix well to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce.

5. **Assemble the Casserole**:

- Transfer the spaghetti and vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish.

- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. **Bake**:

- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

7. **Serve**:

- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side!

Tips:

- You can add ground beef or turkey to the sauce for a meaty version. Cook the meat separately and mix it into the sauce before combining with the spaghetti noodles.

- Adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.

- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. #bakedspaghetti #spaghetti #Spaghettirecipe #blackpeoplecooking #easyrecipes