A delicious serving of baked spaghetti topped with melted cheese and herbs

Baked Spaghetti

ByOrya Morgan
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Why make this recipe

Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that combines pasta with flavorful meat sauce and melty cheeses. This recipe is great for families or gatherings, as it serves many and is easy to prepare. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together around the table for a delicious meal.

How to make Baked Spaghetti

Making Baked Spaghetti is simple and straightforward. The cooking process involves boiling the spaghetti, preparing a savory meat sauce, and then layering everything with cheese before baking. This method results in a bubbling, cheesy dish that is sure to please.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; bring to a simmer.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce.
  7. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  9. Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture, then add the rest of the cheeses on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to serve Baked Spaghetti

Serve Baked Spaghetti hot, directly from the oven. You can pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also perfect for leftovers the next day, as the flavors deepen and improve.

How to store Baked Spaghetti

To store Baked Spaghetti, let it cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it well in foil and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to make Baked Spaghetti

  • Always salt your pasta water to enhance the flavor of the noodles.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrients.
  • Experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor according to your preference.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead, assemble the layers in the baking dish, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer will work well in this recipe.

How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat Baked Spaghetti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.

Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that combines pasta with flavorful meat sauce and melty cheeses, perfect for families or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat Sauce
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil For sautéing

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; bring to a simmer.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce.
Layering and Baking
  1. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  3. Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture, then add the rest of the cheeses on top.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

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