Baked Spaghetti

It's no secret that my family likes spaghetti.  It's our go to meal when we get together, and while nothing will ever beat my mama's famous recipe, sometimes I like to switch it up a bit and try something new.  While in Wenatchee this past weekend, my bro and I tried a version of Baked Spaghetti from How Sweet It Is.  While he neglected to mention the meat we used was venison until after I had consumed two platefuls, it was nonetheless delicious :)  We paired our dinner with a yummy bottle of wine, then followed it up with two pints of ice cream and a funny movie.  It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday evening :)

Baked Spaghetti

Ingredients
1 lb spaghetti
1/2 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tblsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or meat of your choice)
Salt & Pepper
10-12 fresh basil leaves, rolled and sliced
2 cups pasta sauce (we used jarred)
1-2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375.  Cook pasta a few minutes less than directions (it will finish in the oven).
2. Heat skillet to medium and add olive oil.  Add onion and sprinkle with salt and pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add meat to pan and season with salt and pepper.  Break apart with wooden spoon and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Stir in 1 cup pasta sauce and half the fresh basil.  Mix, then add in cooked pasta.  Spread half the pasta mixture in a greased baking pan (we used 9x13).  Top with 1/2 cup remaining pasta sauce and half of each cheese.  Add remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining sauce and cheese.  
5. Bake 20 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serves 4-5

adapted from How Sweet It Is

 the chef

 no meal is complete without wine

yum!

xoxo,
stephanie marie