Spaghetti Casserole: Philadelphia Life Magazine Recipe

Philadelphia Life Magazine presents this signature preparation of Spaghetti Casserole. Handcrafted with traditional culinary care, this dish pairs authentic regional flavors with seasonal farm produce.

Recipe Overview & Technique

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti
• ½ cup butter, divided
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) can sliced mushrooms
• 1 (4½-ounce) can ripe black olives, pitted and finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 1 large green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 (1-pound) can tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• ¾ cup shredded sharp cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1. **Prep & Sauté:** Press the **Sauté** button on your Instant Pot (set to Normal/Medium). Add cooking oil and sear your meat/aromatics for 4-5 minutes until browned.
2. 2. **Deglaze (Crucial to Prevent ‘Burn’ Error):** Pour in 1/2 cup of broth or cooking liquid. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the inner pot.
3. 3. **Layer Ingredients:** Add remaining ingredients and at least 1 cup of thin liquid. *(Note: Reserve dairy and thickeners for after cooking)*
4. 4. **Pressure Cook:** Secure the lid and turn the steam release valve to **Sealing**. Select **Pressure Cook / Manual (High)** and set the timer for **69 minutes**.
5. 5. **Pressure Release:** When the timer beeps, perform a **Quick Pressure Release (QR)**.
6. 6. **Finish & Thicken:** Unlock the lid. Press **Sauté** again. Stir in reserved cream/cheese and cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until rich and thickened to your desired texture.