Baked Spaghetti Recipe: A Delicious and Comforting Family Favorite

 When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can match the heartwarming appeal of baked spaghetti. This classic recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional spaghetti with the added texture and taste of baking it to perfection. If you're looking for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, baked spaghetti is your answer! Below, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of preparing this delicious dish, along with some helpful tips to make it your own.

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti

Before diving into the recipe, let's gather the ingredients. You’ll need:

• 12 oz. of spaghetti (or your pasta of choice)
• 1 lb. of ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 24 oz. of marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) of diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to go once the spaghetti is assembled.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce

While your pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it's soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Now, add the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Mix the Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the prepared meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Next, add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top of the cheese layer. Finish off by adding another layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a layer of ricotta cheese in the middle for extra creaminess!

6. Bake the Spaghetti

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once your baked spaghetti is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for an extra touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Spaghetti

• Cheese Selection: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Customize Your Protein: If you’re not a fan of ground beef or turkey, you can use Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or even make it vegetarian by adding sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Spice it Up: Love a little heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or even some chopped jalapeños to give your baked spaghetti a spicy twist.
• Make it Ahead: This dish can easily be made ahead of time. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time to ensure it heats through.

Why You’ll Love Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. It's rich, cheesy, and satisfying. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re serving a large group or just preparing a cozy family dinner, this dish never disappoints.

Unlike traditional spaghetti, which is served fresh from the stovetop, baked spaghetti takes things to the next level by combining layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese that crisp up perfectly in the oven. The result is a warm, gooey, and slightly crispy casserole that's hard to resist.

Another reason to love baked spaghetti is its versatility. You can tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs by adjusting the ingredients. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftovers – think about tossing in some cooked vegetables or leftover meats to create your unique version.

Conclusion

Baked spaghetti is more than just a meal – it's a warm, comforting dish that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this baked spaghetti recipe is sure to be a hit. Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and rich flavors make it a go-to favorite in kitchens across the country.

So, next time you’re craving something cozy and delicious, give this baked spaghetti recipe a try. Your family and friends will thank you!

FAQs

1. Can I freeze baked spaghetti? Yes! Baked spaghetti freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version.

3. What side dishes go well with baked spaghetti? Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great side dishes that complement baked spaghetti perfectly.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just make sure to cook it al dente before baking.

5. How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Baked Spaghetti, Pasta Recipes, Comfort Food, Family Dinners, Easy Dinner Ideas, Italian-Inspired Recipes, Casserole Recipes, Ground Beef Recipes, Cheesy Pasta Dishes, Quick Meals

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