Cookmas Day 17
Cookmas Day 17 is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Hint of Soul on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 25 min | Total: 1 hr 55 min
Cost: $18.74 total, $3.12 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (red, diced)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 24 ounces Bertelli's Organic Tomato Sauce (jarred marinara style)
- 0.25 cup Water (to thin the sauce slightly)
- 0.5 cup Red Wine (dry red, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat for best richness)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 12 ounces Spaghetti (uncooked, broken in half for easier mixing)
- 2 cups Kobe Jack Cheese (shredded, can substitute mozzarella)
- as needed Cooking Spray (to spray foil so cheese doesn’t stick)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic
Stir in 1 tsp garlic paste (or minced garlic) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Brown Ground Beef
Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and crumbly, about 6 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium-high
Drain Fat
Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Time: PT2M
Add Tomato Sauce
Pour in the 24‑oz jar of Bertelli's organic tomato sauce, add ¼ cup water, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate Red Wine & Season
Stir in ½ cup red wine, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Set Meat Sauce Aside
Remove the skillet from heat and set the red meat sauce aside while you prepare the Alfredo sauce.
Time: PT2M
Make Alfredo Sauce – Heat Cream
Return the skillet (or use a clean one) to medium heat. Add 2 cups heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, watching for the first bubbles, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Parmesan
Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Season & Thicken Alfredo
Season the Alfredo sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue to simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Cook Spaghetti
While the sauce thickens, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Drain using a colander.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Combine Pasta with Alfredo
Return the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently until every strand is evenly coated, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Assemble the Casserole
Spray the bottom of a 9x13‑inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the Alfredo‑coated spaghetti, then half of the red meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce. Top with 2 cups shredded Kobe Jack cheese.
Time: PT5M
Cover with Foil
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
Time: PT1M
Bake Covered
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake, covered, for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest & Serve
Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Bell Pepper: green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Garlic Paste: minced garlic, garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Bertelli's Organic Tomato Sauce: any marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes with herbs
- Instead of Red Wine: beef broth + 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half + 2 tbsp butter per cup
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast (1 cup)
- Instead of Spaghetti: linguine, fettuccine
- Instead of Kobe Jack Cheese: mozzarella, monterey jack
- Instead of Cooking Spray: oil brushed on foil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Colander
- 9x13‑inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Cooking Spray Bottle (optional)
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Tongs (optional)
- Cheese Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef until fully crumbly
- Simmering the red meat sauce until it thickens
- Achieving a smooth, clump‑free Alfredo sauce
- Coating the spaghetti evenly with Alfredo before layering
- Covering the foil with cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking
- Baking uncovered for the final browning
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the meat sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre‑grated cheese contains anti‑caking agents that can affect texture.
- Break the spaghetti in half before mixing with Alfredo to make tossing easier.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery after simmering.
Continue simmering uncovered to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for the meat sauce and a little extra Parmesan for the Alfredo.
Cheese sticks to the foil.
Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray before covering, or use parchment paper under the cheese.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy.
Cook spaghetti al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package suggests) as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Both the red meat sauce and the Alfredo sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Cook the spaghetti al dente, toss with a little olive oil, and store in the fridge; it will re‑absorb sauce nicely when baked.
- Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate; bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5‑10 minutes to the covered bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked spaghetti in Italian‑American cuisine?
Baked spaghetti emerged in the United States as a comfort‑food adaptation of traditional Italian pasta dishes, combining the familiar tomato‑meat sauce with a creamy cheese topping. It became popular in mid‑20th‑century American households and is now a staple at potlucks and family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of baked spaghetti in Italian‑American cuisine?
In the Midwest, baked spaghetti often includes a layer of mozzarella and a sweeter tomato sauce, while in the Northeast, a richer meat sauce with added herbs is common. Some Southern versions add a touch of hot sauce or use ground pork instead of beef.
How is baked spaghetti traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot from the oven, cut into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad and garlic bread. Leftovers are reheated for lunch the next day, making it a versatile family meal.
What occasions or celebrations is baked spaghetti traditionally associated with in American culture?
Baked spaghetti is a go‑to dish for casual gatherings such as birthday parties, church potlucks, and game‑day snacks. Its one‑dish nature makes it ideal for feeding a crowd without much fuss.
What makes baked spaghetti special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The dish uniquely blends two classic sauces—tomato‑meat and creamy Alfredo—creating a rich, layered flavor profile that isn’t found in traditional Italian pasta dishes, which are usually served sauced but not baked.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked spaghetti from Cooking With Hint of Soul?
Common errors include overcooking the spaghetti, which leads to a mushy casserole, and not allowing the meat sauce to thicken, resulting in a watery dish. Also, skipping the spray on the foil can cause the cheese to stick and tear the top layer.
Why does this baked spaghetti recipe use both a red meat sauce and an Alfredo sauce instead of just one sauce?
Using both sauces creates a contrast of tangy tomato flavor and rich, buttery creaminess, giving each bite depth and a luxurious mouthfeel that a single sauce cannot achieve.
Can I make the baked spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the meat and Alfredo sauces, cook the pasta, and assemble the casserole. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the covered bake time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the baked spaghetti is done?
The top layer of Kobe Jack cheese should be golden‑brown and bubbly, while the interior layers should be hot and the pasta should be tender but not mushy. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the noodles without pooling.
How do I know when the baked spaghetti is fully cooked and safe to eat?
The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a food thermometer, and the cheese on top will be melted, browned, and slightly crisp around the edges.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Hint of Soul specialize in?
Cooking With Hint of Soul focuses on approachable, soul‑filled home cooking, featuring comfort‑food classics, step‑by‑step tutorials, and occasional viral recipe recreations that blend classic techniques with modern twists.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Hint of Soul's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Cooking With Hint of Soul emphasizes personal storytelling, practical kitchen shortcuts, and clear visual cues, making classic Italian‑American dishes like baked spaghetti feel accessible to beginners while still delivering authentic flavor.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
