Description
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti, cooked
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Meat:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Layers:
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
Add half of the cooked spaghetti.
Spread ricotta cheese over the pasta.
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley.
Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor! Perfect for family dinners. #ComfortFood #BakedSpaghetti
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof baked spaghetti. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook 12 oz of spaghetti to al dente according to package directions, then drain. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until no pink remains. Stir in a 24 oz jar of marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Now, assemble the layers. In your greased dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce to prevent sticking. Add half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer. Dollop 1 cup of ricotta cheese over the pasta and spread it gently. Spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta, then sprinkle with a third of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and some warm, buttery garlic bread. For a lighter side, try roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave for an easy lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
To summarize: cook pasta and brown seasoned meat with sauce. In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, pasta, ricotta, more sauce, and cheeses. Repeat. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked spaghetti ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are excellent choices as their shapes hold the sauce and cheese well.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out? Ensure your meat sauce is sufficiently saucy and simmered. You can also reserve a bit of pasta water to mix with the spaghetti before layering for extra moisture.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta? Yes, cottage cheese is a common substitute. For a smoother texture, you can blend it first.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the spaghetti initially, as it will soften further while baking. Always cook to al dente. Do not skip the step of adding a thin sauce layer to the bottom of the dish, as this prevents the pasta from sticking. Ensure your meat sauce is not too watery; let it simmer to thicken slightly so the final dish isn’t runny. Finally, let the baked spaghetti rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Conclusion
This baked spaghetti recipe is the ultimate comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a cheesy, satisfying casserole perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a perfectly layered, golden-brown dish every time. It’s a reliable, family-friendly classic that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.