This recipe creates a comforting and satisfying Baked Spaghetti dish. Cooked spaghetti is tossed with a rich meat sauce, topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, and then baked until bubbly and golden brown. It’s a hearty and flavorful casserole-style meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the prepared meat sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish (or two smaller dishes as shown in the image).
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Tips and Notes:
- Meat Choice: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or a combination. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, sautéed along with the onion and garlic.
- Cheese Variations: You can use other cheeses that melt well, such as provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Herb Variations: Fresh basil and oregano can be used in addition to or instead of the dried herbs. Add fresh herbs towards the end of the simmering time.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the spaghetti when ready to serve.
- Freezing: Baked spaghetti can be frozen. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy this hearty and cheesy Baked Spaghetti!