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. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Baked Spaghetti comes together in under 65 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in different proteins or pasta types based on your family’s preferences.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for a convenient meal later on.
• Comfort Food Classic: Rich flavors and gooey cheese make this dish the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your Baked Spaghetti, having the right kitchen tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything comes out perfectly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish (13×9 inches)
• Cooking spray
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Pot: Necessary for boiling spaghetti efficiently without overcrowding.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• Baking Dish: Ensures even cooking of the casserole while allowing for easy serving.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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. This ensures that your Baked Spaghetti bakes evenly.

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.
4. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring often, for about 2 minutes until translucent.
3. Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and crumble as it cooks until browned. Drain off excess grease.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
6. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the meat sauce mixture.
2. Add cooked spaghetti into the skillet with sauce; mix well until spaghetti is coated.

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish (13×9-inch).
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top followed by remaining grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Cover with foil (spray underside lightly with cooking spray).
4. Bake for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until hot and cheese is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired, slice servings, and enjoy your delicious Baked Spaghetti!

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Serve with a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine topped with Caesar dressing and croutons complements the richness of the spaghetti.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter create a perfect side for soaking up sauce.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add mozzarella on top of garlic bread for an extra cheesy experience.

Add Some Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious balance and bright color on the plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds depth to your meal.

How to Perfect Baked Spaghetti

For an ideal Baked Spaghetti, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve that deliciously baked texture and flavor everyone loves.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your ground beef well. This enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Use quality marinara sauce: Opt for a good quality store-bought sauce or homemade for richer flavors.
• Cook pasta al dente: Cooking the spaghetti just right ensures it holds up well during baking without becoming mushy.
• Layer cheeses thoughtfully: Mixing Parmesan into the spaghetti and topping it with mozzarella creates a lovely cheesy crust.
• Cover while baking: Covering your dish initially helps retain moisture, ensuring everything cooks evenly without drying out.
• Garnish before serving: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a pop of color and freshness when serving.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Spaghetti

To create a complete meal around your Baked Spaghetti, consider these delightful side dishes. Each one pairs beautifully with the main course.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and fluffy knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing side.
3. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats offers a variety of flavors and textures.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw provides a nice contrast to the warm baked spaghetti and balances the meal.
5. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds elegance to your dinner table.
6. Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are an easy-to-make side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Spaghetti, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Ignoring Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooking your spaghetti can lead to mushy noodles. Always follow package instructions and aim for al dente for the best texture.
• Not Draining the Meat Properly: Leaving grease in the skillet can make the dish too oily. Be sure to drain excess fat after browning the ground beef for a cleaner taste.
• Using Low-Quality Sauce: A poor-quality marinara sauce can ruin your baked spaghetti. Opt for a good brand or make your own for enhanced flavor.
• Skipping Seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can result in bland spaghetti. Be generous with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors.
• Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Filling the dish too full may cause uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough room for heat circulation by using an appropriately sized baking dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Baked Spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.

Freezing Baked Spaghetti

• Freeze Baked Spaghetti in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between servings if stacking, to make individual portions easier to separate.

Reheating Baked Spaghetti

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through; add a splash of water or sauce if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Baked Spaghetti more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or include vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms in the sauce.

Can I use different types of meat in Baked Spaghetti?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as alternatives and provides a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

What cheese is best for Baked Spaghetti?

A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan gives a fantastic cheesy flavor; however, you can also use provolone or cheddar based on your preference.

How can I customize my Baked Spaghetti?

Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or spinach into the meat mixture and experiment with different cheese blends for unique tastes.

Is Baked Spaghetti suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! It freezes well; just make sure it’s stored properly in airtight containers.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti is not only easy to prepare but also offers endless possibilities for customization. Whether you choose different meats, cheeses, or vegetables, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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