Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is one of those comforting dishes you can always count on to bring a smile to the table. With perfectly cooked pasta blanketed in a savory meat sauce, gooey melted cheese, and enticing Italian herbs, each bite offers layers of flavor and texture. It’s the type of meal that warms the soul, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this dish proves that simple can be absolutely sublime.

My fondest memory of baked spaghetti goes back to my childhood, when my mother would whip it up for special occasions. The aroma wafting from the oven was so inviting that it would draw the whole family into the kitchen, eager to dig in. Every time I make this recipe, it takes me back to those happy moments. The beauty of baked spaghetti is not just in its taste but also in its ability to bring people together and create lasting memories. Trust me, this will become your new go-to recipe.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted water, cook the 16 ounces of spaghetti al dente according to package directions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced green bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Break up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid a greasy dish.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the 32 ounces of pasta sauce, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add the cooked spaghetti and chopped parsley, stirring until thoroughly combined.
5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top it with 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ⅓ cup of shredded parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the cheese is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares to serve.

Storing & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, baked spaghetti can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours, but it’s best to refrigerate if you’re not serving it right away. Transfer to an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze portions of it for up to 3 months—just make sure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through. The texture might change a bit, but it remains delicious!

There you have it! Baked spaghetti is a deliciously simple dish that checks all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Don’t hesitate to modify it to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Enjoy the process and the inevitable joy it brings to the table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for 1-2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.

Can I substitute other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can work well to lighten the dish while maintaining that savory flavor. You can also try plant-based meat alternatives if you are looking for vegetarian options.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. To make it vegan, use a plant-based meat substitute and dairy-free cheese.

What’s the best way to serve baked spaghetti?

Baked spaghetti is delightful on its own, but you can enhance the experience by adding a simple side salad and garlic bread. Pair it with a glass of red wine for adult gatherings or sparkling water for family dinners!

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Baked Spaghetti

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• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Baked Spaghetti is a delightful mix of flavors featuring ground beef, mozzarella cheese, and a rich pasta sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is all about comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 pound lean ground beef or italian sausage
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
• 32 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package directions.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef, green pepper, onion, garlic, and salt over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Mix in the cooked spaghetti and parsley.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve cut into squares.

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Notes

For extra flavor, try adding mushrooms or other vegetables to the meat mixture.
You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a combination of beef and sausage for added richness.
Let the baked spaghetti cool slightly before cutting to ensure clean slices.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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