Baked Spaghetti Recipe
To make baked spaghetti, you’ll need a few key ingredients: 1 pound of spaghetti, 1 pound of ground beef, 24 ounces of marinara sauce, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Stir in the marinara and let it simmer. Layer everything in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. This dish serves 6-8 people and can be customized. You can find more tips to enhance your baked spaghetti experience.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, you’ll love this baked spaghetti recipe. This dish shines due to its simple preparation. You can quickly combine pasta, sauce, and cheese, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate.
The combination of tomato cream meat sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a rich flavor you won’t forget. You can customize it with various meats and layer styles, even adding bonus cheese in the middle. Additionally, this dish is a healthy alternative as it can be made with baked spaghetti squash, providing nutritional benefits without the extra calories.
It’s also a great option for gatherings, as it easily serves large groups. With its hearty appeal and nutritional benefits, baked spaghetti stands out as a family favorite. Enjoy your innovative cooking!
Recipe
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Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Baked spaghetti is a delightful twist on the classic pasta dish, transforming it into a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It combines the rich flavors of a savory meat sauce with al dente spaghetti, all topped with gooey melted cheese. This hearty meal isn’t only easy to prepare but also allows for customization based on personal preferences and dietary needs. You can switch up the meat, add vegetables, or even make it vegetarian by opting for meat substitutes. For convenience, you can prepare the recipe up to the baking step on a Sunday, cover with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
To get started, gather your ingredients and prepare your kitchen. It’s crucial to cook the spaghetti just right—al dente is the way to go, as it will hold its shape during the baking process. The meat sauce should be flavorful and well-combined, simmering to bring out the best tastes. Once assembled, the dish is baked until bubbly and golden, making it a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground chuck, chicken, or turkey)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Italian herbs (oregano, basil, etc.)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 400°F depending on your recipe). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under room temperature water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of Italian herbs. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, mixing well to verify the noodles are evenly coated.
- In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by more meat sauce, and then the remaining spaghetti. Top with the rest of the meat sauce, and finish with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil for the last few minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Extra Tips:
For best results, be mindful of the baking time to avoid overcooking the spaghetti, which can lead to a mushy texture. You can prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for quick assembly later.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition. When reheating leftovers, do so gently to preserve the texture and taste of the dish.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve enjoyed the delicious layers of baked spaghetti, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on this dish and its many benefits.
First, you can prepare it a day in advance, making it convenient for busy weeknights. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze them for three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
For innovation, experiment with different sauces or meat alternatives. Use high-quality cheese for that perfect melt, and consider adding garlic knots for extra flavor. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also tends to be preferred by kids, making it a family favorite.
This dish serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for gatherings. Pair it with a green salad and Italian red wine for a complete meal. Enjoy your culinary creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free pasta for this recipe! Just remember to partially cook it to avoid mushiness. Experiment with various brands or homemade options to discover the perfect texture and flavor for your dish.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Spaghetti?
To store leftover baked spaghetti, use shallow airtight containers or freezer bags. Refrigerate it within two hours, and enjoy it within four days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to three months.
Can I Freeze Baked Spaghetti for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze baked spaghetti for later use! Just cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer. When ready, thaw overnight and bake until bubbly and delicious. Enjoy your creativity!
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based options like Beyond Meat, textured vegetable protein, or crumbled tofu. Lentils and walnuts make excellent alternatives too, offering both flavor and nutrition for innovative dishes.
How Long Does Baked Spaghetti Take to Cook?
Cooking baked spaghetti typically takes about 25-40 minutes, depending on your chosen temperature and method. Remember to cover it initially and uncover towards the end for that perfect melted cheese finish. Enjoy your creation!
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- - 1 pound spaghetti
- - 1 pound ground beef or ground chuck, chicken, or turkey
- - 1 onion diced
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 24 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- - Salt and pepper to taste
- - Italian herbs oregano, basil, etc.
- - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 400°F depending on your recipe). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under room temperature water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of Italian herbs. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, mixing well to verify the noodles are evenly coated.
- In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by more meat sauce, and then the remaining spaghetti. Top with the rest of the meat sauce, and finish with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, you can broil for the last few minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
