Meat Lovers Spaghetti Bake

Meat Lovers Spaghetti Bake: A Hearty Family Favorite

Indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal with this Meat Lovers Spaghetti Bake. Packed with savory flavors and layers of cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite among meat lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe is bound to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz.) package spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
• 1 pound ground sausage, cooked and crumbled, divided
• 4 oz. pepperoni, divided
• 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and minced garlic until well combined.
5. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Top with half of the cooked sausage and half of the pepperoni slices.
6. Pour half of the soup mixture over the spaghetti and meat layers. Sprinkle with half of the grated parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sausage, pepperoni, soup mixture, and cheeses.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Let the spaghetti bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Cook Notes and Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage while cooking.
• Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage, such as Italian sausage or breakfast sausage, for a different flavor profile.
• To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the layers in the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground sausage and pepperoni, and substitute with your favorite vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensure that the cream of chicken soup and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

• Replace Pasta: Substitute the spaghetti with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Cream Sauce: Instead of using cream of chicken soup, make a homemade cream sauce using heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth thickened with xanthan gum or a low-carb thickener.
• Cheese: Opt for full-fat cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan for a keto-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this Meat Lovers Spaghetti Bake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, gouda, or fontina to suit your taste preferences.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish? A: Of course! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as diced tomatoes, spinach, or kale, for added flavor and nutrition.

In conclusion, this Meat Lovers Spaghetti Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the hearty flavors of sausage, pepperoni, and three types of cheese in a deliciously comforting meal. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Whether you follow the classic recipe or put your own spin on it with variations, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures in every bite of this mouthwatering spaghetti bake!