Introduction
Baked Spaghetti Recipe: Welcome back to the kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that combines comfort and creativity in a single dish. Today, we’re diving into the delightful realm of baked spaghetti. This classic Italian-American comfort food takes the beloved spaghetti and meat sauce to new heights with layers of gooey cheese and a golden crust. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this baked spaghetti recipe is sure to impress.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their pasta game with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, baked spaghetti is a dish that’s both approachable and satisfying. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why it’s Great
What sets baked spaghetti apart from its traditional counterpart is the irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The pasta cooks to perfection in a savory meat sauce, while layers of cheese meld together to create a creamy, indulgent topping. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting familiarity of spaghetti with an added element of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients(Baked Spaghetti Recipe)
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions(Baked Spaghetti Recipe)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Pound 450g Spaghetti
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Finely Chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Pound 450g Ground Beef
- 1 Can 28 Ounces Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 2 Cups 200g Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 Cup 50g Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil Leaves for Garnish Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition Details:
- Each serving of Baked Spaghetti provides approximately 480 calories, 22g of fat, 45g of carbohydrates, 5g of fiber, and 27g of protein.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (trust us, it’s rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or heat the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair this baked spaghetti with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. For drinks, a bold red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese complements the hearty meat sauce beautifully.
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FAQ(Baked Spaghetti Recipe)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for Baked Spaghetti Recipe? A: While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for a fun twist on Baked Spaghetti Recipe.
Q: How can I make Baked Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian-friendly? A: Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to Baked Spaghetti Recipe for a flavorful meatless version.
Q: Can I make Baked Spaghetti Recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble Baked Spaghetti Recipe in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy!
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers of Baked Spaghetti Recipe? A: To reheat Baked Spaghetti Recipe, microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in the oven until heated through. Enjoy the cheesy goodness once again!
Q: How long can I store leftovers of Baked Spaghetti Recipe? A: Leftovers of Baked Spaghetti Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and savor the deliciousness!
Conclusion
There you have it – a mouthwatering baked spaghetti recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with loved ones, this dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the love – and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!
