Best 2 Florentine Spaghetti Bake Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with our exquisite Florentine spaghetti bake, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This classic Italian dish combines the richness of béchamel sauce, the savory goodness of ground beef, and the vibrant freshness of spinach, all nestled within a bed of al dente spaghetti.

In this comprehensive guide, we present not only the traditional Florentine spaghetti bake recipe but also a vegetarian variation for those seeking a meatless delight. We'll take you step-by-step through the process, ensuring that you create a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Our traditional Florentine spaghetti bake recipe features a delectable combination of ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of red wine, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty mixture is then layered with creamy béchamel sauce, cooked spaghetti, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. The final touch is a golden-brown crust that adds an irresistible crunch.

For those who prefer a vegetarian alternative, we offer a delightful recipe that replaces the ground beef with a medley of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. The result is an equally flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

So, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the steps of creating this iconic Italian dish. Whether you choose the traditional or vegetarian version, the Florentine spaghetti bake is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FLORENTINE SPAGHETTI BAKE



Florentine Spaghetti Bake image

This hearty sausage entree will appeal to just about everyone. My daughter serves it often to her hardworking family on their wheat ranch in Montana. -Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage and onion, crumbling meat, until sausage is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in pasta sauce and mushrooms. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook until heated through, about 15 minutes., Drain pasta. Combine the egg with the next 5 ingredients. Spread 1 cup sausage mixture in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with spaghetti and remaining sausage mixture. Layer with egg mixture and mozzarella cheese., Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover; bake until lightly browned and heated through, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446 calories, Fat 23g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 76mg cholesterol, Sodium 1172mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

FLORENTINE SPAGHETTI BAKE



Florentine Spaghetti Bake image

Provided by Kitchen Crew

Categories     Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb italian sausage
1 c onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
28 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp oregano
10 oz spinach, thawed and drained
2 c cottage cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 c parmesan cheese, grated
"just a pinch" of pepper
3/4 lb spaghetti, uncooked
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • 1. In large skillet - cook sausage, onion and garlic until sausage is no longer pink, stirring often, drain.
  • 2. Stir in tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, basil and oregano, bring to a boil.
  • 3. Reduce heat, simmer 15 minutes.
  • 4. In medium bowl, combine spinach, cottage cheese, egg, parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt and pepper, mix well.
  • 5. Prepare spaghetti.
  • 6. Spread 1 cup meat mixture in 9 x 13 inch pan.
  • 7. Layer cooked spaghetti, remaining meat sauce, spinach mixture and mozzarella.
  • 8. Cover and bake in 375 degree oven about 40 minutes.
  • 9. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • For a creamy and flavorful sauce, use a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
  • Don't overcook the spaghetti. It should be al dente, with a slight bite to it.
  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out all the excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
  • Top the casserole with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese for a golden brown and bubbly crust.
  • Serve the Florentine spaghetti bake immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.

Conclusion:

The Florentine spaghetti bake is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck. With its creamy sauce, tender spaghetti, and flavorful spinach, it is sure to be a hit with the whole family. So next time you're looking for a quick and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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