Traditional Baked Spaghetti

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Traditional Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of a classic Italian pasta dish with a cheesy, baked finish. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a warm, hearty meal that's sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients for Traditional Baked Spaghetti

Spaghetti is the backbone of this dish, providing a familiar and satisfying texture. Ground beef adds heartiness and protein, making this a complete meal. The marinara sauce brings in the essential tomato base that's both tangy and savory. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, while mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese create that irresistible cheesy topping. Olive oil helps sauté the aromatics, and oregano and basil provide a touch of Italian flair. Finally, salt and black pepper enhance all these flavors to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if you have it on hand.
  • If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • For added flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce as it simmers.

Serving Suggestions

This baked spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread on the side. For a more Italian flair, serve it with a nice Chianti or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, ziti or penne would work well if you prefer a different shape.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure it's cooled completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Traditional Baked Spaghetti Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that once everything's assembled, you can pop it right in without waiting around. While the oven is heating, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside. Now, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and let them sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it's nicely browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, you'll want to drain off any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, then add the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let this delicious mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Now, it's time to bring everything together. In a baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture. Mix it well to ensure every noodle is coated. Then, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be bubbly and golden brown.

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set a bit, making it easier to dish out.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Perfectly combines the flavors of a classic spaghetti with the comfort of a baked casserole.
  • Can be made ahead of time, making it great for meal prep or busy weeknights.
  • Kid-friendly and customizable to suit your family’s taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Combine spaghetti and sauce in a baking dish; mix well.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!