Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese Stack

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 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Unique Presentation: The spaghetti nests add a fun and elegant touch.
  • Rich and Flavorful: A well-seasoned Bolognese sauce makes every bite irresistibly savory.
  • Easy to Customize: Adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with this creative take on spaghetti.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or pork/sausage mix)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

For the Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown until no longer pink; drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, broth, and red wine (if using).
  4. Season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Cook the Spaghetti:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Cheesy Stack:

  1. Preheat the broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Using tongs or a fork, twirl the spaghetti into small nests and arrange them on an oven-safe plate or dish.
  3. Top each nest with a generous spoonful of Bolognese sauce.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Melt the Cheese:

  1. Place the plate or dish under the broiler or in the oven. Broil for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serve:

  1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

  • Serves: 4
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with plant-based alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms.
  2. Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
  3. Pasta Alternatives: Use linguine, fettuccine, or zoodles for a different texture.
  4. Cheese Lovers: Add ricotta or gouda for extra creaminess.
  5. Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free spaghetti.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the Bolognese sauce separately for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the assembled dish for best texture.
  • Reheating: Warm in a microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the spaghetti nests from falling apart?

Ensure the spaghetti is well-drained and slightly sticky for easy twirling and holding.

Can I make the Bolognese sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day or two ahead and reheated when needed.

What wine pairs best with this dish?

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors well.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Try adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Is it okay to skip the wine?

Yes, you can omit the wine and replace it with more broth for a non-alcoholic option.

How do I ensure the cheese melts evenly?

Use freshly grated cheese and spread it evenly over the spaghetti nests.

Can I use pre-made Bolognese sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce offers richer flavors and better control over seasoning.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the cheesy, saucy pasta nests! Reduce spice levels for picky eaters.

What side dishes pair well with this?

Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent sides.

How do I make it low-carb?

Swap spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.

Conclusion

Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese Stack combines the comfort of a classic pasta dish with an elegant presentation. With its rich flavors, melted cheese, and creative twist, it’s a recipe worth trying for your next dinner. Simple to prepare yet visually impressive, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.

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Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese Stack

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Cheesy Spaghetti Bolognese Stack is a creative twist on the classic pasta dish, featuring savory spaghetti nests topped with rich Bolognese sauce and melted cheese. This visually stunning recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a delightful mix of comfort and elegance.

 

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or pork/sausage mix)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

For the Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
    • Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat if needed.
    • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, broth, and red wine (if using).
    • Season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20-25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  • Cook the Spaghetti:
    • Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook spaghetti until al dente per package instructions. Drain well.
  • Assemble the Cheesy Stack:
    • Preheat the broiler or oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Using a fork, twirl spaghetti into nests and arrange them on an oven-safe plate or dish.
    • Spoon Bolognese sauce generously onto each nest.
    • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Melt the Cheese:
    • Broil or bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve:
    • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with mushrooms or plant-based alternatives.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
  • The Bolognese sauce can be made ahead for convenience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

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