ELLA'S BAKED SPAGHETTI

Ella's Baked Spaghetti image

Provided by Family Favorites @Quinnn

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1-1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck
1- 24 oz. jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
2-4 tb. brown sugar, depending on how sweet your pasta sauce is. we like a sweeter sauce vs. an acidic one. omit if you wish.
1-2 stalks celery, chopped
1 med-large onion, chopped
1/2 red, orange or yellow pepper, chopped
8 oz. of your favorite pasta or spaghetti. this time, i used cavatappi. you may not use it all.
salt & pepper
1-2 tsp. italian seasoning
1 tb. parsley flakes
2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup of shredded cheese, your choice. i used a blend of three cheddars

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Add ground beef to a large skillet, leaving a little bigger chunks than usual. Don't break up too finely. Add onion, peppers and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until meat is no longer pink and celery is tender.
Add jarred spaghetti sauce and taste. If it seems acidic, add brown sugar. Add Italian seasoning, parsley and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Keep warm.
Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain. Season with salt and pepper. Add drained pasta a little at a time until the pasta is fully covered in sauce and meat. Too much pasta and it will be dry.
Lightly butter a large casserole dish (...mine is a 2 1/2 qt.) and add pasta mixture. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until hot and bubbly in center. Add cheese to top and return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.