Baked spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that transforms ordinary spaghetti into a flavorful casserole. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook baked spaghetti, this easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the process step by step.
What Is Baked Spaghetti?
Baked spaghetti is a casserole dish where cooked spaghetti pasta is mixed with a rich meat and tomato sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s like a cross between traditional spaghetti and lasagna but simpler and quicker to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a typical list of ingredients for a classic baked spaghetti:
– Dry spaghetti (about 16 ounces)
– Ground beef (1 pound) or ground turkey/sausage for variation
– Olive oil and butter for sautéing
– Onion (1 medium, diced)
– Garlic (3-5 cloves, minced)
– Marinara sauce (24 ounces, store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh basil (optional, chopped)
– Mozzarella cheese (1 to 1 ½ cups shredded)
– Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
You can also add extras like mushrooms, olives, or cream cheese for a twist on the classic recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Baked Spaghetti
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat
While the spaghetti cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit of butter and olive oil, then sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce
Return the browned meat to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the marinara sauce, add chopped fresh basil and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the noodles are fully coated with the meat sauce.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
9. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti
– Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
– Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor that dried herbs can’t quite match.
– Cheese choices: Mozzarella is classic, but mixing in some Parmesan or even cheddar can add extra flavor.
– Make it ahead: Baked spaghetti can be assembled a day in advance and baked when ready, making it a great meal prep option.
– Add veggies: Mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers can be sautéed with the onions for a heartier dish.
Variations to Try
– Creamy baked spaghetti: Stir in some cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese into the sauce for a rich, creamy texture.
– Spicy baked spaghetti: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
– Pepperoni twist: Layer pepperoni slices on top before baking for a pizza-inspired flavor.
– Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant with your marinara.
Baked spaghetti is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti and cheese in a convenient casserole form. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week.
Enjoy your delicious homemade baked spaghetti!