Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Introduction
Easy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheeses baked to golden perfection. This recipe is simple to make and sure to please the whole family.
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 red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and transfer the pasta to a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish.
- Step 3: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes. If the beef is very lean, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to help cook the onion. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce and warm it through for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly and spread it into an even layer.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. If you like, broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 7: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Use a spatula to cut it into squares. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use a blend of Italian herbs like basil and thyme for extra flavor.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier dish, stir in a half cup of ricotta cheese before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture of the pasta and cheeses may change.
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 any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
Do I need to boil the pasta before baking?
Yes, partially cooking the pasta ensures it finishes perfectly in the oven. Cooking it 2 minutes less than package directions keeps it firm enough to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
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Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and optionally broiled for a golden cheese crust, this dish is a family-friendly, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare on a weeknight.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third to ensure even baking and browning later on.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for two minutes less than the package instructions to keep it slightly firm. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish.
- Prepare the meat sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 10 minutes. If the beef is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to help cook the onions. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add garlic and marinara: Stir the minced garlic into the beef mixture and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and warm it through, stirring occasionally for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the beef and marinara mixture over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, then smooth the mixture into an even layer.
- Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and freshly grated parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional broil and rest: For a nicely browned cheese crust, switch to the broiler for a few minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning. Allow the baked spaghetti to sit for 5-10 minutes to set before cutting into squares and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Cooking spaghetti for two minutes less than package instructions helps prevent mushiness during baking.
- Using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan offers a balanced cheesy flavor and good melt.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes amount or omit them based on your preferred spice level.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold its shape for easier serving.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked spaghetti, spaghetti casserole, easy dinner, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta bake, weeknight dinner
