Description
This Baked Spaghetti recipe offers a comforting and hearty twist on classic spaghetti by combining perfectly cooked pasta with a savory ground meat and marinara sauce, topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box), or any type of pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground chuck (ground chicken or turkey also work)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, 1 jar)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground chuck (or preferred ground meat), breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add Sauce and Basil: Stir in the marinara sauce and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture, stirring gently until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese, the remaining ½ tablespoon of fresh basil, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled spaghetti uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground chuck.
- Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded helps with better melting and creamier texture.
- If you like a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking; al dente pasta will hold up better in the oven.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: baked spaghetti, baked pasta, spaghetti recipe, Italian pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner