Baked Spaghetti Recipe
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!
- - 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)
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.