Hearty Vegetarian Chili Spaghetti Bake
Indulge in a delicious twist on comfort food with this Hearty Vegetarian Chili Spaghetti Bake! This dish combines the warmth of baked spaghetti with the rich, flavorful goodness of vegetarian chili and a zesty tomato sauce. Bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh onions (if you like). Simple to prepare and packed with nutrients, this meal is not only satisfying but also a hit for both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Serve it with a side salad for a wholesome meal that's sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
6
Servings
280
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
8 ounces (uncooked)
fat free spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (none)
vegetarian chili
15 ounces (none)
mushrooms
4 ounces (drained)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
onion
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the spaghetti sauce, vegetarian chili, drained mushrooms, chili powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish. Pour the prepared chili sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it's well coated.
5
At this point, you can cover the dish and refrigerate it for later or continue baking immediately.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until heated through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Optionally, add chopped onions for extra flavor.
7
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting and hearty dish!
Nutrition Information
4.67g
Fat
42g
Carbs
9.33g
Protein
6.67g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegetarian Chili Spaghetti Bake?
It is a comforting baked pasta dish that combines cooked spaghetti with a flavorful mixture of vegetarian chili, spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a vegetarian meal using vegetarian chili and meat-free ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of the chili spaghetti bake?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the spaghetti sauce mixture need to simmer?
The sauce mixture should simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 13x9 inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray is recommended.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the spaghetti and sauce in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it to bake later.
What type of pasta is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti, which is cooked and drained before assembly.
What kind of chili should I use?
The recipe uses 15 ounces of vegetarian chili.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of drained mushrooms, which usually refers to canned or jarred mushrooms.
Can I add onions to this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally add chopped onions to the top of the bake along with the cheese.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends 1/2 cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 4.67g of fat.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 6.67g of fiber per serving.
What is the total baking time for this dish?
The total baking time is 35 minutes: 25 minutes initially, then an additional 10 minutes after adding the cheese.
Can I use regular cheddar cheese instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, regular cheddar cheese can be used, though it will increase the fat content of the dish.
What spices are needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I add meat to this recipe if I'm not a vegetarian?
While designed as a meatless meal, you could add cooked ground beef or turkey to the sauce mixture.
Does the spaghetti need to be cooked before it goes into the oven?
Yes, the spaghetti should be cooked according to package directions and drained before being placed in the baking dish.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
There are 9.33g of protein per serving.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while spaghetti is traditional for this bake, other shapes like linguine or rotini would also work well.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify spraying the 13x9 dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How do I know when the bake is ready to serve?
The dish is ready when it is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
A fresh side salad is recommended to make it a wholesome, balanced meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it can be assembled ahead of time or portioned out after baking, it is excellent for meal prep.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I use a different type of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, while the recipe suggests fat-free spaghetti sauce, any 26-ounce jar of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce will work.
Does this dish contain any cholesterol?
The specific cholesterol count is not provided, but the recipe uses fat-free sauce and reduced-fat cheese to keep it heart-healthy.