Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
Easy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a hearty meat sauce layered over tender pasta and topped with melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- Step 2: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain and transfer the pasta to a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish.
- Step 3: In a skillet, add the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes. If the beef is very lean, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and cook until warmed through, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the baking dish.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For a golden, bubbly top, broil for a few minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Step 7: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- Add vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure to undercook slightly before baking.
Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?
It’s best to boil the pasta until slightly underdone as indicated so it doesn’t become overly soft during baking. This helps the final dish maintain a pleasing texture.
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Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, offering a cheesy, hearty meal that is simple to prepare and sure to please all ages.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack to the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning of the cheese topping.
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions, ensuring it remains slightly firm to avoid overcooking during baking. Drain and transfer the spaghetti to a 9×13 inch casserole or baking dish.
- Prepare beef mixture: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped onion, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). If the beef is very lean and releases little fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add garlic and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and let it warm through for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish for uniform baking.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta and meat sauce mixture. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for browning (optional): For a golden-brown cheesy crust, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to set the dish for easier serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Notes
- Cooking the spaghetti slightly under al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of red pepper during cooking.
- Lean ground beef is recommended to avoid excess grease; however, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
- The blend of cheeses can be adjusted to your preference; using all mozzarella or adding provolone works well.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian
Keywords: baked spaghetti, easy baked pasta, ground beef pasta bake, cheesy baked spaghetti, weeknight dinner, comfort food
