Baked spaghetti is one of those comforting meals that never goes out of style. It’s everything you love about a classic pasta dish: spaghetti noodles, hearty meat sauce, gooey melted cheese but layered and baked to perfection in the oven. The top gets a little crispy, the cheese gets all bubbly, and the flavors come together in a way that feels extra cozy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this baked spaghetti recipe is a go-to favorite. Let’s break it down step by step.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 pound (uncooked)
- Ground beef: 1 pound (preferably 90% lean)
- Onion: ½ medium, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Marinara sauce: 4 cups (approximately 32 ounces)
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano: ½ teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional)
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Method of Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle. For the optional broiling step, move the rack to the top third.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray before adding the cooked spaghetti.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, then cook the ground beef, chopped onion, Italian seasoning (or oregano), and red pepper flakes until the meat is browned and the onion is softened (about 10 minutes).
- If there’s excess fat, drain it.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it warm through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss to combine and ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Add Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
6. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
7. Broil (Optional)
For a golden cheese crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti is one of those meals that just makes sense, simple to put together, packed with flavor, and always a hit with whoever’s at the table. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a weeknight or make ahead for a weekend crowd. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are actually something to look forward to.
Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or throw in your own spin like adding veggies, switching up the cheese, or using a different sauce it’s hard to go wrong. So next time you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting, baked spaghetti might just be the answer. Give it a try you might end up adding it to your regular dinner rotation.
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