Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti

There’s nothing quite like sinking your fork into a bubbling dish of baked spaghetti, layered with savory sauce and gooey cheese. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to evoke feelings of nostalgia—a comforting reminder of family dinners and cozy nights spent by the table. Baked spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing joy and warmth to your home. This dish is not only quick to prepare but is also a terrific crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will rave about.

Are You Ready to Indulge in Comfort Food?

Do you remember a time when a simple bowl of pasta could make everything feel right in the world? Picture a perfect evening: you come home from a long day, craving something rich and hearty—a dish that wraps around you like a warm blanket. Does your heart skip a beat at the thought of fragrant, melted cheese on a bed of spaghetti? That’s the magic of baked spaghetti!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Prep: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it super accessible for busy weeknights.

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s delightful comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults.

• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, so you can whip it up anytime.

• Delicious Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any left, it tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

To create this crave-worthy baked spaghetti, you’ll need the following delicious ingredients:

• Cooking spray, to prevent sticking.
• Kosher salt, for flavoring.
• 1 lb. spaghetti, which forms the base of the dish.
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, for sautéing.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, adding sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, bringing in irresistible aroma.
• 1 lb. ground beef, to add heartiness.
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, for that perfect herb blend.
• Freshly ground black pepper, just for a bit of spice.
• 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes, which provide a luscious sauce.
• 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce, creating the perfect consistency.
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, infusing fresh flavor.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella, to achieve that ooey-gooey cheesy layer on top.
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, adding a nutty finish.
• Chopped fresh parsley, for a pop of color and freshness.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in crafting a dish that beckons with its aromatic allure and rich flavors.

Timing

Baked spaghetti sits beautifully in that sweet spot between fast and indulgent. From preparation to baking, you can have it ready in under an hour. It’s the ideal concoction for busy evenings when you want to serve something that feels luxurious without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply follow the steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a steaming dish that beckons you to dig in.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your baked spaghetti releases easily once cooked.

Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. The ideal texture is important, so don’t forget to drain and set aside once done.

Step 3: Start the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add in the garlic, stirring until the kitchen is filled with its fragrant aroma—about 1 minute should suffice.

Next, introduce the ground beef along with the Italian seasoning, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink—this should take about 8 minutes.

Step 4: Mix in the Tomato Goodness

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and throw in the fresh basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook and reduce slightly for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to season it again with salt and pepper for an extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Combine It All

Take the cooked spaghetti and add it to the sauce, tossing gently to combine. Carefully transfer the mixture to your prepped baking dish. Top it off with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the cheese is gloriously melted and the pasta is warmed through—this usually takes about 20 minutes. The sight of bubbling cheese is a thing of beauty!

Step 7: Finishing Touch

Once its time is up, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this baked spaghetti is a delightful indulgence—approximately 550 calories. But don’t let that deter you; every bite is bursting with flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy these meals in moderation, and remember the joy it brings to your evenings.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten the dish up a bit, there are plenty of delicious alternatives:

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.

• Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular spaghetti for whole wheat for extra fiber.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for a hearty, plant-based alternative.

• Dairy-Free Cheese: Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist, and ensure your spaghetti is egg-free.

Serving Suggestions

Baked spaghetti is a great dish to serve on its own, but why not elevate the dining experience? Pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for contrast or some garlic bread for a carb lover’s dream. For dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream would provide a delectably indulgent end to your meal.

Common Mistakes

When it comes to baked spaghetti, a few errors can lead to dissatisfaction:

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the oven; baked spaghetti can quickly go from gooey and delicious to dry and overcooked.

• Texture Issues: Avoid mushy pasta by not overcooking it during the boiling phase. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven.

• Messes: Ensure your baking dish is well greased to avoid a sticky cleanup later on.

Storing Tips

Baked spaghetti can be a lifesaver for meal-prepping! To store:

• Refrigerate: Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: Divide into portions and freeze for 2-3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tempted to Bake It ASAP?

There’s truly something magical about baked spaghetti, its layers of flavor and delightful textures making it an unforgettable meal. This comfort food classic deserves a place at your table, bringing smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.

Don’t wait too long to bake it—you know you want to enjoy all that cheesy goodness!

FAQs

1. Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it, assemble it in your baking dish, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

2. Can I substitute ground beef with something else?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken, or even a mix of mushrooms and lentils work great.

3. What sides go well with baked spaghetti?
   A garden salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

4. How long does baked spaghetti last in the refrigerator?
   It’s best consumed within 3-4 days in the fridge.

5. Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
   Yes, it freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in single-portion containers.

Embrace the richness of homemade baked spaghetti—your taste buds will thank you!

Baked Spaghetti

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A comforting dish of baked spaghetti layered with savory sauce and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners and weeknight meals.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Cooking spray, to prevent sticking
• Kosher salt, for flavoring
• 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 garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and basil. Simmer for about 10 minutes, adjusting seasoning as desired.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Baked spaghetti can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, or frozen for later use.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg