Baked Spaghetti Sauce

Name: Baked Spaghetti Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 500 g ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cans crushed tomatoes (400 g each); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon sugar

105 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Baked Spaghetti Sauce

Deliciously hearty baked spaghetti sauce, perfect for any pasta night, bringing warmth and rich flavours to your table.

Prep

15 min

Cook

90 min

Total

105 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Baked spaghetti sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that elevates the classic spaghetti night to a whole new level. This method of baking the sauce allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. The beauty of baking the sauce lies in the depth of flavour it achieves. As the sauce simmers in the oven, the tomatoes, herbs, and meats release their essences, creating a sauce that's both aromatic and deeply flavoured. It's a delightful way to enjoy spaghetti with a twist.

Ingredients

Servings

Baked Spaghetti Sauce

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pro tip: Ensure the garlic doesn't burn as it will turn bitter.

Brown the beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon, about 8 minutes.

Pro tip: For food safety, ensure the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Combine ingredients

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, water, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.

Pro tip: Adjust the seasoning to taste at this stage.

Transfer to baking dish

Pour the sauce into a deep baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent splattering.

Pro tip: Ensure the dish is deep enough to avoid overflow.

Bake the sauce

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring halfway through. The sauce should be thick and aromatic.

Pro tip: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes for a thicker consistency.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow.</li><li>Stir halfway through baking for even cooking.</li><li>Add fresh herbs before serving for brightness.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked spaghetti sauce with your favourite pasta, some freshly grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of basil or parsley for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement the dish. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.