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.
