Baked Spaghetti is the perfect combination of classic comfort food and cheesy, oven-baked goodness. This dish takes everything you love about traditional spaghetti – savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese – and bakes it into a hearty, satisfying casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
The magic of Baked Spaghetti starts with the sauce. Ground beef or Italian sausage is cooked with onions, garlic, and Italian herbs, then simmered with crushed tomatoes or marinara until rich and flavorful. The cooked spaghetti is tossed with the sauce, layered in a baking dish, and covered with plenty of shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and sometimes ricotta or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Once baked, the top becomes golden and bubbly, while the inside stays saucy and cheesy with every bite. It is like lasagna but even easier to prepare. You get the same comforting flavors without the extra steps of layering pasta sheets.
This dish is also wonderfully flexible. You can swap the meat for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative, or load it up with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Some versions even add a layer of cheese in the middle for extra indulgence.
Baked Spaghetti is easy to prepare ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. It is perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Every bite delivers cheesy, saucy, comforting goodness that feels like a warm hug. It is a family favorite for a reason, simple ingredients come together to make something truly delicious and satisfying. Baked Spaghetti is one of those dishes you will return to again and again.
Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti uncooked
- 500 grams ground beef lean
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 400 grams tomato sauce canned
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, then transfer the mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
