Spaghetti West Texas
Description:
Spaghetti West Texas is a beloved family recipe that’s perfect for a quick and hearty dinner. It’s a nostalgic dish passed down from generations, emphasizing simplicity and flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of prep, you can recreate this comforting meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it alongside a fresh salad and some warm garlic bread to complete the experience.
Recipe Overview:
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 622 kcal
- Cuisine: Southwestern U.S.
- Category: Spaghetti
- Keywords: Southwestern U.S., Kid Friendly, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb spaghetti
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup grated American cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 622
- Total Fat: 26.5g
- Saturated Fat: 11.2g
- Cholesterol: 75.6mg
- Sodium: 983.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 63.5g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugars: 7.1g
- Protein: 31.4g
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Sauté onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
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Brown ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
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Cook spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Combine ingredients: In the skillet with the cooked beef mixture, add the cooked spaghetti, condensed tomato soup, and water. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
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Prepare baking dish: Transfer the combined mixture into an 11x16x2-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Top with cheese and olives: Sprinkle the grated American cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti mixture. Scatter the sliced black olives on top of the cheese.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
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Uncover and bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
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Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve portions with a side of salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite southwestern spices or adjusting the cheese and olive toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the spaghetti mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly if starting from chilled.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well and makes for delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti West Texas is a testament to simple, family-friendly cooking that brings together classic flavors in a comforting dish. Whether you’re pressed for time or looking to satisfy hungry appetites, this recipe delivers on taste and ease of preparation. Embrace the spirit of Texan hospitality with each forkful of this hearty spaghetti bake!
