Baked spaghetti with ground beef is a deliciously comforting dish that combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This baked version enhances the flavors by allowing them to blend perfectly in the oven, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress with its hearty taste and irresistible texture.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and fresh parsley until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, then half of the ricotta cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Spaghetti: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot.