Recipe: Baked American Spaghetti (uncooked spaghetti baked in meat sauce)

BAKED AMERICAN SPAGHETTI

8 oz. spaghetti, linguine or thin spaghetti, uncooked
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and quartered
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (14 oz.) can tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 oz.) can low-sodium tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups water, divided use
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

In a large frying pan, cook onion, garlic and ground beef over medium heat until beef is browned; drain.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1 cup water, Italian seasoning and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

While meat mixture is simmering, break spaghetti strands into three parts. Place in an oven-proof casserole dish. Add the remaining 1/2 cup water and mix. Add meat mixture and combine all ingredients.

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover casserole and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Makes 4 servings
Source: National Pasta Association