Description
This delicious baked spaghetti recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a savory meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box, or any type of pasta)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground chuck (ground chicken or turkey also work)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (â…› stick)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, about 1 jar)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (divided)
Cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Seasoning
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prepare it for the baked spaghetti.
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Brown the beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chuck and cook it, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain and clean the skillet: Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat and wipe out the skillet to prepare for the next step.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the diced onions over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add beef and sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and combine everything well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly so that the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the spaghetti is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use your favorite marinara sauce or homemade sauce for a personalized flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
