Baked Macaroni Spaghetti
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 8 oz spaghetti, broken into halves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft (about 2 minutes).
- Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Tips:
- For added flavor, mix in cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the sauce.
- You can make this dish ahead and refrigerate it; bake it just before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and cheesy baked macaroni spaghetti! 🍝🧀
