Baked Spaghetti Recipes

Baked spaghetti is like a warm hug on a plate, combining pasta, sauce, and cheese into a comforting meal. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite ingredients or use up leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, baked spaghetti is sure to please. Let’s explore the reasons why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you first try baked spaghetti, you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite for many families. This dish combines the comforting flavors of pasta, savory sauce, and melted cheese, creating a delightful meal that satisfies everyone.

It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can customize it easily by adding your favorite ingredients, like vegetables, ground meat, or different cheeses, to suit your taste.

Baked spaghetti also stores well, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week. Plus, it’s an excellent dish for gatherings, as it feeds a crowd without much effort.

History

Baked spaghetti has a rich history that traces back to the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it became a popular comfort food.

Italian immigrants brought their pasta traditions, blending them with local ingredients and tastes. By the 1920s, baked spaghetti emerged as a convenient and hearty dish, often served at family gatherings and social events.

It gained further popularity through restaurant menus and cookbooks, appealing to those seeking an easy meal. The dish’s versatility allowed for various adaptations, making it a staple in many households.

Over the years, baked spaghetti has evolved, but its essence remains the same: a warm, satisfying dish that brings people together around the dinner table.

Recipe

Baked spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional spaghetti with a cheesy, baked topping. It’s a perfect meal for families and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. This dish isn’t only delicious but also an excellent way to use leftover pasta or sauce. The warm, gooey cheese melds perfectly with the spaghetti, creating a dish that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

Preparing baked spaghetti is simple and can be done in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners. You can also prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a cozy night in, baked spaghetti is a delightful option that never disappoints.

Ingredients:
– 12 ounces spaghetti
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 24 ounces marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the meat mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture. Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
5. Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy!

For extra tips, feel free to customize your baked spaghetti by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Additionally, you can substitute ricotta cheese for some of the mozzarella for a creamier texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.

Final Thoughts

While comfort food often brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction, baked spaghetti stands out as a versatile dish that can easily adapt to your preferences.

You can customize it with various ingredients, from veggies to meats, making it a great option for any meal. Experimenting with different cheeses or sauces can also elevate the flavor profile.

Plus, baked spaghetti is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing meals in advance. It’s simple to make and can be stored for leftovers, saving you time.

Don’t forget to pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Ultimately, baked spaghetti isn’t just a meal; it’s an opportunity to release your creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking!

FAQ

If you’ve got questions about baked spaghetti, you’re not alone! Many home cooks wonder about the best ingredients and techniques.

First, a common question is whether to pre-cook the spaghetti. You don’t have to, but it can help with texture.

Next, you might ask about cheese. Mixing mozzarella and Parmesan gives a great flavor.

Another frequent inquiry is about baking time. Generally, 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F works well. Covering the dish with foil initially prevents burning and helps the pasta heat evenly.

Lastly, feel free to customize your baked spaghetti with veggies or meats. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering baked spaghetti!

Baked Spaghetti Recipes

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Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• - 12 ounces spaghetti
• - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• - 1 small onion chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - 24 ounces marinara sauce
• - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Cooking Instructions:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the meat mixture. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture. Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
• Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy!
• For extra tips, feel free to customize your baked spaghetti by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Additionally, you can substitute ricotta cheese for some of the mozzarella for a creamier texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick and delicious meal.