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Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 83 reviews

This classic baked spaghetti recipe is a comforting and hearty pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti noodles, a savory ground meat and marinara sauce blend, topped with a delightful mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole combines delicious flavors and a cheesy baked finish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Meat

  • 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box), or any type of pasta
  • 1 pound ground chuck (ground chicken or turkey also work)

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces & Herbs

  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, about 1 jar)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground chuck to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add Sauce and Basil: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir in one tablespoon of the chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture. Mix well to coat noodles evenly.
  6. Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture into the dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the layer.
  7. Layer and Bake: Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining one tablespoon of chopped fresh basil.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
  • For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
  • Fresh basil can be swapped with dried basil, but reduce quantity by half.
  • Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • To save time, use store-bought marinara sauce.

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/baked-spaghetti-recipe/