Baked Spaghetti
A hearty and comforting baked spaghetti dish featuring golden pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, savory vegan meat crumbles, and melty vegan cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz uncooked spaghetti The base of this dish, providing that perfect chewy texture.
- 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce Forms the foundation of the sauce, adding acidity and sweetness.
Vegetables
- 1 white onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with irresistible aromatic flavor.
- 1 medium eggplant, cubed Introduces heartiness and a unique texture to the blend.
Seasonings & Toppings
- 2 tbsp olive oil Enhances flavor and helps sauté vegetables to perfection.
- 1 tsp sea salt Enhances all the flavors and brings the dish together.
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness.
- 1 cup vegan meat crumbles Provides protein and a satisfying texture similar to ground meat.
- 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully for that classic creamy texture.
- 1 cup shredded vegan cheddar cheese Offers a sharp undertone that complements the mozzarella.
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped Brightens up the dish with a hint of freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the cubed eggplant and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the sea salt and ground black pepper for flavor.
- Add the vegan meat crumbles and cook until heated through.
- Add the tomato sauce or marinara sauce and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture until well combined.
Baking
- Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a baking dish, followed by half of the vegan mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Layer the rest of the spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the remaining cheese.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For the best flavor, sauté the onion and garlic until golden brown. If you prefer a bit of a crunch, try baking for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered. Ensure every strand of spaghetti is coated with sauce for the best flavor melding. Let the assembled dish rest after baking to allow flavors to settle.