Baked Spaghetti
Imagine a dish bubbling away in your oven, filled with layers of tender pasta, rich ground beef, and a sauce that envelops everything in its sumptuous embrace. This Baked Spaghetti recipe does just that—bringing scents that evoke nostalgia and warmth, reminiscent of family dinners or cozy evenings. It’s an easy meal packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions—kids can’t resist the gooey cheese, and adults will relish the hearty taste.
Dive into this nostalgic dish that marries comfort and convenience; it’s a go-to in my kitchen every time the cravings hit.
What’s your ultimate pasta comfort food?
Ever found yourself longing for that warm, cheesy, mouthwatering pasta dish from childhood? Perhaps you’re dreaming of tender noodles covered in rich, savory sauce and topped with golden, bubbling cheese. Doesn’t it make your taste buds dance with excitement? Baked Spaghetti is that dish that can transport you back in time, all while satisfying the cravings of hungry bellies at your table. What’s your favorite pasta moment?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Prep: With minimal hands-on cooking time, you can whip this up in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its layers of flavor and gooey cheese.
Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to create something delicious. A few simple staples yield a meal that tastes gourmet.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in different proteins or veggies to suit your dietary preferences—this recipe is adaptable to your tastes.
Ingredients
To create our delectable Baked Spaghetti, gather the following ingredients:
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in delivering a mouthwatering experience that bursts with flavor. The aroma of onion and garlic wafting through your kitchen will have everyone’s mouths watering in anticipation as you blend these simple yet impactful components into a rich, savory dish.
Timing
Whether you are looking for a fast and indulgent weeknight meal or a slow, luxurious weekend feast, Baked Spaghetti fits the bill perfectly.
Get this crowd-pleaser on your table in just under an hour, calling for minimal waiting time with maximum flavor infusion. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be prepped ahead—simply assemble it earlier in the day, pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and let that cheesy goodness melt together, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the home.
Step-by-Step
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.
Cook spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. The goal is to keep that perfect noodle texture even after baking. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and let them sizzle and soften for about 7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about 1 minute more—creating a base of mouthwatering flavor.
Brown the beef: Incorporate the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until beautifully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 8 minutes.
Add the sauce: Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce along with chopped basil. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Season again if needed, capturing the rich flavor of your homemade sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the spaghetti gently with the sauce mixture, ensuring every strand is coated in that luscious sauce. Transfer this heavenly mix into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and finely grated Parmesan generously over the top. This is where you stage the grand finale for an ooey-gooey, cheesy masterpiece.
Bake: Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish: Pull out your delicious creation and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving!
With every bite, expect gooey cheese stretching, rich sauce enveloping the pasta, and savory flavors blending beautifully as you savor the experience.
Nutritional Information
While it’s tempting to indulge to your heart’s content, one serving of this Baked Spaghetti can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on portion sizes and ingredient modifications. So, while it’s a comforting choice that brings a smile to every dining table, consider enjoying it as an occasional treat. After all, what’s a meal without a little indulgence?
Healthier Alternatives
Worried about your waistline but still craving that cheesy goodness? There are ways to make this dish healthier:
Pasta Swap: Consider whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a fiber boost.
Protein Boost: Try swapping beef for lean turkey or even plant-based grounds for a healthier alternative.
Low-fat Dairy: Use low-fat cheese or a dairy-free option if you are cutting down on calories or dairy.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase the dish’s nutritional value.
Each of these alternatives maintains the comforting essence of Baked Spaghetti while offering a lighter twist.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish shines on its own but can elevate your meal when paired with:
A refreshing green salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or breadsticks to accompany its saucy goodness.
For a little indulgence, consider serving it with a scoop of ice cream for dessert afterward, creating a balanced dining experience that’s sure to please.
This dish is also suitable for cozy gatherings and holidays alike—perfect for sharing during a festive meal with loved ones.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your Baked Spaghetti turns out perfectly:
Overbaking: Keep an eye on your dish. Overbaking can lead to dry noodles and hardened cheese.
Texture Issues: Under-cooking your pasta slightly (al dente) is essential so it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
Messy Layers: Carefully layering your sauce and noodles will give you that beautiful restaurant-style presentation, so resist the urge to just mix everything in the dish.
Planning ahead and avoiding these mistakes can make your experience equally enjoyable and satisfying.
Storing Tips
To make the most of your leftovers:
Freezing Portions: Baked Spaghetti can be frozen for up to two months—just portion individual servings into airtight containers before freezing.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again.
These simple storage tips maintain the quality and flavor of your dish, giving you more flexibility to savor it later.
Get Baking Today!
With flavors that warm the heart and a comforting blend of ingredients, this Baked Spaghetti recipe is calling your name. Don’t wait for a special occasion to relish in this dish—grab your ingredients and let this culinary journey begin! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese and a savoriness that invites everyone in for a comforting plate of pasta.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well.Is Baked Spaghetti gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free pasta, it can be a gluten-free dish.How do I keep it from getting dry in the oven?
Ensure there’s enough moisture in the sauce before baking. Cover with foil if you notice it drying out.Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can be great additions for flavor and nutrition.
Now it’s time to gather those ingredients, apply your love, and savor every indulgent bite of Baked Spaghetti! Enjoy!
Print
Baked Spaghetti
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A comforting and easy Baked Spaghetti recipe filled with layers of pasta, rich ground beef, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions for about 7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chopped basil. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can prep the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of bake time if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
