Baked Spaghetti Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Classic Pasta

Baked spaghetti is a classic and comforting dish that is sure to please any crowd. It’s easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty and flavorful meal on the table in no time. In this article, we’ll show you how to make baked spaghetti step-by-step, so you can enjoy this delicious meal in the comfort of your own home.

To make the perfect baked spaghetti, you’ll need pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s adaptable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Whether you prefer a meaty or vegetarian version, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started on how to make this delicious baked spaghetti recipe the whole family will love.

Ingredients for Making Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is a classic dish that combines pasta, cheese, and sauce in a deliciously baked casserole. To make the perfect baked spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Spaghetti noodles: About a pound of spaghetti noodles should suffice. You can use any kind of spaghetti noodles you like – thin, thick, whole wheat, or gluten-free.

2. Ground beef or sausage: You can choose between sausage or ground beef as your meat topping. In most cases, a half-pound of meat will do.

3. Spaghetti sauce: Choose your favorite spaghetti sauce – canned, homemade, or marinara. You’ll need at least two cups.

4. Mozzarella cheese: Grated mozzarella cheese is the most common type of cheese used in baked spaghetti. You’ll need about two cups.

5. Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a touch of saltiness and nuttiness to the dish. You’ll need at least half a cup.

6. Eggs: Two large eggs will be enough to hold the spaghetti casserole together.

7. Milk: You’ll need one cup of milk to create a creamy and smooth texture in the dish.

8. Butter: A quarter cup of butter will add richness and flavor to the dish.

9. Garlic: You’ll need at least two cloves of minced garlic for added flavor.

10. Salt and pepper: Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste.

Instructions for Making Baked Spaghetti

1. Cook the spaghetti noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions in a pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and set it aside.

3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F.

4. Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, mix the spaghetti sauce with the cooked meat.

5. Add the spaghetti noodles: Add the spaghetti noodles to the bowl and toss them with the sauce and meat mixture until coated.

6. Prepare the cheese topping: In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese and mix well.

7. Bake the spaghetti casserole: Pour the spaghetti and sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cheese topping evenly over the spaghetti mixture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the spaghetti has a golden-brown color.

8. Let the dish cool: Once cooked, let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

9. Serve and enjoy: Serve the baked spaghetti casserole with garlic bread, salad, or any other side that complements the dish.

Tips and Variations

– Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.

– Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina.

– If you want a healthier version of baked spaghetti, use lean ground beef or turkey and low-fat cheese.

– To make the dish spicier, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

– Make ahead and freeze: You can prepare the baked spaghetti casserole ahead of time, freeze it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. To do this, prepare the dish as instructed, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Once ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil and bake it in the oven until fully cooked.

Ingredients

Before starting to make baked spaghetti, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of the primary ingredients that you will need to make a delicious and flavorful baked spaghetti.

1. Spaghetti Pasta

The first and most crucial ingredient is spaghetti pasta. You can use any brand of pasta; however, try to choose a good-quality spaghetti that does not become mushy after cooking.

2. Ground Meat

You can use any type of ground meat, such as chicken, beef, pork, or turkey, depending on your preference. Ensure that the meat is fresh and of high quality for optimum taste.

3. Pasta Sauce

Pasta sauce is the base of any spaghetti recipe. You can either use store-bought pasta sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes, salt, garlic, and other herbs.

4. Cheese

Cheese is the ingredient that makes baked spaghetti cheesy and delicious. You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan, depending on your preference.

5. Onion and Garlic

Onions and garlic provide flavor and aroma to baked spaghetti. Ensure that they are fresh and cook them until they become translucent.

6. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are an optional ingredient that you can use to add color and crunch to your baked spaghetti. You can use red, yellow, or green bell peppers, depending on your preference.

7. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential seasoning ingredients that you cannot skip in baked spaghetti. Use them according to your liking.

8. Italian Seasonings

Italian seasonings, such as oregano, basil, and parsley, provide a traditional Italian flavor to baked spaghetti. Use them in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.

9. Eggs

Eggs help to bind the spaghetti together and provide a creamy texture. You can whisk them with cheese and milk before adding them to the spaghetti.

10. Milk

Milk is an optional ingredient that you can add to make the texture of baked spaghetti creamier. It also adds to the richness of the dish.

In conclusion, ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients before starting to make baked spaghetti to avoid running out of anything midway through the cooking process. Having all the ingredients at hand will also help you to achieve the perfect flavor and texture of the dish.

Ingredients needed for Baked Spaghetti

Before we dive into the steps for baked spaghetti, let us first consider what ingredients we will need. Baked spaghetti is a hearty meal, so it requires a number of ingredients to make it delicious and filling. Below is a list of the ingredients you will need for your baked spaghetti:

Preparing the Spaghetti Pasta

You will begin the process by cooking your spaghetti pasta al dente. Al dente means cooking the pasta so that it has a slightly firm texture and does not become too soft. According to the package instructions, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the spaghetti pasta. Cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes then drain the water and rinse the spaghetti under cold water to stop the cooking process. Return the pasta back to the pot, season with olive oil, salt, and black pepper and toss to combine.

Preparing the Meat Sauce

While the spaghetti cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat up a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and garlic cloves. Saute the garlic until fragrant for about 30 seconds then add the ground meat to the pan. Brown the meat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink, then add the bolognese sauce. Allow the sauce to cook for another 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Combining the Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Mix half of your cheese mixture with the cooked spaghetti pasta and pour into a 9×13 casserole dish. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti pasta and top with the remaining cheese mixture. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden in color. Remove the foil from the dish and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Final Touches

Once the dish is done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley all over the baked spaghetti to add color and freshness to the dish. Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

There you have it, five easy steps to make delicious and hearty baked spaghetti. Serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Bon Appetit!

Now that you know how to make baked spaghetti in just a few easy steps, it’s time to start cooking! Remember to gather all the ingredients beforehand, keep a close eye on your spaghetti as it cooks, and top it off with plenty of cheese. Thank you for reading this recipe and happy cooking! Be sure to come back for more delicious recipes and culinary tips to spice up your meals.