The combination of savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and bubbly cheese makes this Baked Spaghetti a comforting, crave-worthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering, this baked pasta will warm you from the inside out.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser and a perfect recipe for anyone who loves Italian comfort food. With the richness of the cheese and the depth of flavor from the tomato sauce, this dish is both filling and satisfying. You can even make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal!
Full Recipe:
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12 oz spaghetti
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 pound ground beef
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to combine.
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Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Baked Spaghetti: A Comforting Italian Classic
Baked Spaghetti is a hearty, satisfying dish that has become a favorite in many households, thanks to its simplicity and delicious flavors. The dish combines pasta, ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese into one comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a large group, Baked Spaghetti is a foolproof recipe that everyone can enjoy. The beauty of Baked Spaghetti lies in its versatility – it’s a dish that can be easily customized with different ingredients to suit your preferences.
Why Baked Spaghetti is a Great Meal Option
Baked Spaghetti is not just tasty, it’s also practical. It’s a one-dish meal that can be made in large quantities, making it ideal for busy families or anyone who enjoys meal prepping. Once you have your ingredients, you can assemble the dish and let it bake while you focus on other tasks. Baked Spaghetti is also a perfect make-ahead dish, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can even be frozen for later use.
Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Spaghetti
One of the keys to a successful Baked Spaghetti is cooking the pasta just right. Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven while the cheese melts and the sauce bakes into the pasta. If the pasta is overcooked before it goes into the oven, it can become mushy and lose its texture. Another important tip is to choose the right type of ground meat for the dish. While ground beef is a popular choice, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Alternatively, if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, along with some extra cheese for richness.
Making Baked Spaghetti Ahead of Time
Baked Spaghetti is one of those dishes that gets even better when it’s allowed to sit and develop its flavors. If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the spaghetti and sauce the day before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop it in the oven to bake. This is especially helpful when you have a busy schedule and want a warm, home-cooked meal with minimal effort on the day of serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the prepared dish for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Spaghetti
Baked Spaghetti can be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that can elevate the meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty bread is always a popular choice to soak up any extra sauce. For a more complete Italian-inspired meal, serve the Baked Spaghetti with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Caprese salad made with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
Variations of Baked Spaghetti
While the classic version of Baked Spaghetti is delicious on its own, it’s also easy to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own. Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the meat sauce can boost the nutritional value and introduce new textures. You can also try adding a variety of cheeses such as ricotta, cheddar, or provolone for a different taste. For a spicier kick, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dollop of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the traditional spaghetti for other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli – these hold sauce and cheese wonderfully, making for a hearty alternative.
Baked Spaghetti for Special Diets
Baked Spaghetti can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary restrictions. If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti. For a lower-carb version, you could substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, both of which provide a similar texture while reducing the calorie count. To make the dish vegetarian, you can skip the ground meat and add extra vegetables, plant-based protein sources, or a mix of beans for added heartiness. Vegan alternatives are also possible by using dairy-free cheese and plant-based meat substitutes.
Why You Should Add Baked Spaghetti to Your Meal Rotation
This dish is the ultimate comfort food that offers warmth, flavor, and ease. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet family dinner. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, Baked Spaghetti is sure to please. The leftovers are just as tasty, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or taking to work for lunch. Its adaptability makes it a great option for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings.
Conclusion
Baked Spaghetti is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italian comfort food to your table. With a combination of hearty pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that’s both filling and full of flavor. The best part about Baked Spaghetti is that it’s easy to make and can be customized to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or preparing it ahead of time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a meal that everyone will love, and best of all, it’s as delicious the next day as it is fresh out of the oven.