Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite
Looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week? My Baked Spaghetti recipe combines tender noodles, savory meats, and gooey cheese in a way that might just make it your new go-to meal. It’s a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)
- ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
For the Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 32 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the spaghetti.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef (or sausage), onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and diced green pepper. Cook until the meat is well browned and crumbly. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
- Combine: Stir in the pasta sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet with the meat. Let this simmer uncovered for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, fold in the cooked spaghetti and fresh parsley, making sure everything is well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked spaghetti cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Serve warm and enjoy the melty cheese and rich, flavorful sauce!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
This Baked Spaghetti is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Baked Spaghetti
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This Baked Spaghetti dish combines the classic flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce with a delightful cheesy topping. The pasta is cooked to perfection, mixed with a rich and savory meat sauce, and then baked with a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese that melts into a bubbly, golden crust.
Ideal for family dinners, this recipe is both hearty and comforting. It’s also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Baked Spaghetti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
16 ounces uncooked spaghetti
¼ cup fresh parsley or 2 tablespoons dried
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6oz)
⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
Sauce
1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
32 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meat, onion, garlic, seasoning, and green pepper while breaking up the meat. Drain fat if needed.
Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cooked spaghetti and parsley.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, top with cheeses, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and the cheese is browned and bubbly. Cut into squares to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal