Spaghetti Cooked in Oven with Sausage, Bell Peppers, and Onions

Zesty Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Bake

Spaghetti Cooked in Oven with Sausage, Bell Peppers, and Onions

Whip up this flavorful spaghetti dish loaded with Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy cheese! This simple, easy-peasy recipe takes about an hour and a half to whip up, and serves a crowd of six.

Yield: 6 servingsDifficulty: EasyTotal: 1 hour 45 minutesActive: 25 minutes

Ingredients (12)

1. 1 pound spaghetti
2. 1½ pounds sweet or hot Italian sausage links, casings removed
3. Olive oil
4. 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
5. 1 green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
6. 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, seeded and sliced
7. 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced
8. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
9. 3 cups marinara sauce
10. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
11. 15 ounces ricotta cheese
12. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Oil a 3-quart baking dish.
2. Prepare spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then cook in the sliced peppers and onion until tender. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a large bowl. Add marinara sauce, pasta, and half the Parmesan. Mix and set aside.
4. Layer half of the pasta mixture in the prepared dish, then dollop with half the ricotta. Sprinkle with half the Parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 more minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.

Variations and Customization

• Substitute the sausage with ground beef, turkey, or veggie crumble for a vegetarian option.
• Use a combination of colors for the bell peppers to make the dish more visually appealing.
• Spice things up by adding chili flakes, crushed red pepper, or using hot sausage.
• Replace the marinara sauce with vodka sauce or alfredo for a unique twist.

Enjoy your home-cooked spaghetti bake alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread!

1. For a change, you can swap the Italian sausage in this Zesty Sausage-Stuffed Spaghetti Bake with ground beef, turkey, or veggie crumble to create a vegetarian option.
2. To give the dish a more vibrant appearance, consider using a combination of colored bell peppers, like red, green, and yellow or orange.
3. If you prefer spicier food, you may add chili flakes, crushed red pepper, or use hot sausage to mirror your taste.
4. For a unique twist, you can replace the marinara sauce with vodka sauce or alfredo to enhance the flavors of this nutritious spaghetti bake.

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