Baked Spaghetti

When you need an easy dinner idea, this Baked Spaghetti recipe is here to save the day! Spaghetti pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese are baked together until hot and golden brown on top. It’s a delightful dish perfect for any family gathering or weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s a sure hit with kids and adults alike.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of marinara sauce, meat, and melted cheese creates a satisfying comfort food experience.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your baked spaghetti with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a personal touch.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Baked Spaghetti, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Skillet
• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling spaghetti evenly and efficiently.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing onions and browning ground beef to enhance flavor.
• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking while allowing you to serve directly from it.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 16 ounces spaghetti pasta (white or whole wheat)
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– ¾ cup chopped yellow onion
– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
– 4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 48 ounces marinara sauce (2 jars, 24 ounces each, or homemade)
– 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
– 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
– chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional, for serving)

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° F to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake the spaghetti.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Break the spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the boiling water.
3. Cook according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef.
4. Cook while crumbling the meat until browned. Drain off excess grease.

Step 4: Add Flavor to Your Sauce

1. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Mix in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Reduce heat and let simmer at low for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

1. Stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan into the sauce mixture.
2. Add cooked spaghetti into the skillet with sauce; mix well until combined.

Step 6: Assemble for Baking

1. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top followed by remaining grated Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake

1. Cover with foil (lightly sprayed on the underside).
2. Bake for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until hot and cheese is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired before serving warm to your family! Enjoy your delicious Baked Spaghetti!

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti

Serving Baked Spaghetti is easy and versatile, making it a great dish for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
• Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing contrast.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Sliced baguette brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden brown.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Top garlic bread with mozzarella and bake until bubbly for an extra treat.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves enhance the flavor profile and bring a garden-fresh touch.

Serve with Yogurt Dip

• Herbed Yogurt Dip: A cool yogurt dip made with herbs like dill or parsley complements the baked spaghetti perfectly.

How to Perfect Baked Spaghetti

Getting your Baked Spaghetti just right can make all the difference. Follow these tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Add red pepper flakes or crushed garlic for an extra kick of flavor.
• Even Cooking: Stir well to combine the sauce and pasta before baking for even cooking throughout.
• Cheese Layering: For a cheesy top, mix half the mozzarella into the spaghetti before baking and reserve the rest for topping.
• Avoid Overcooking: Bake just until cheese is golden to prevent dryness; keep an eye on it in the last few minutes.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor impact.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider these options to round out your meal.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft dough twisted and brushed with garlic butter, perfect for sopping up sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrients.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch alongside your hearty pasta.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats offers a variety of tastes and textures.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta dish.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices make for a hearty side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Spaghetti, small mistakes can lead to big differences in taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking spaghetti too long before baking can result in mushy noodles. Always aim for al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Skipping the Simmering Step: Not allowing the sauce to simmer can leave it bland. Take time to let the flavors meld for a richer taste.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the dish’s flavor. Opt for good quality marinara and cheese for the best results.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Failing to grease your dish may cause the pasta to stick. Use cooking spray or olive oil on your baking dish to prevent this issue.
• Underseasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to a bland casserole. Always taste and adjust seasoning before mixing everything together.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Baked Spaghetti can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Spaghetti

• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
• Baked Spaghetti can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Baked Spaghetti

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Baked Spaghetti recipe special?

This Baked Spaghetti combines hearty ground beef with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, creating a comforting family meal that’s easy to prepare.

Can I customize my Baked Spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, swap out ground beef for chicken or turkey, or try different cheeses based on your preference.

How long does it take to make Baked Spaghetti?

The preparation time is about 20 minutes, while baking takes around 45 minutes total, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

Can I make Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it beforehand and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti is not just an easy dinner idea; it’s also versatile and customizable. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to experiment with ingredients and make this dish uniquely yours!