Choosing the Right Dutch Oven

Before you start making Dutch oven spaghetti, it's important to choose the right Dutch oven. Look for a heavy-duty oven with a tight-fitting lid. The size of the Dutch oven will depend on the number of servings you want to make. A 5-quart Dutch oven is usually sufficient for a family-sized portion. Make sure the Dutch oven is oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures.

Gathering the Ingredients

To make Dutch oven spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound of spaghetti - 1 pound of ground beef - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes - 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste - 2 teaspoons of dried basil - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.

Cooking the Spaghetti

Start by heating some olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. Next, add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the Dutch oven. Once the ground beef is cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, driedoregano, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. While the sauce is simmering, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set it aside. Once the sauce has simmered and the spaghetti is cooked, it's time to combine them. Add the cooked spaghetti to the Dutch oven with the sauce and toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.

Baking the Spaghetti

Now that the spaghetti is coated in the sauce, it's time to take it to the next level by baking it in the Dutch oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the lid on the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the spaghetti bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. This step not only adds a delicious crust to the spaghetti but also allows the flavors to further develop and meld together. Once the spaghetti is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Enjoying

Now that your Dutch oven spaghetti is ready, it's time to serve and enjoy! Scoop generous portions of the spaghetti onto plates or bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. This Dutch oven spaghetti recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!