
If you’re in search of a comforting, delicious, and hassle-free dinner that the whole family will adore, look no further than this Easy Baked Spaghetti. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and bubbling, melted cheese. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce (or any tomato-based sauce)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (360g) ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Combine Ricotta and Egg: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti as the first layer.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers: add the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition (per serving) (Approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
Tips for Making the Best Baked Spaghetti
- Add Veggies: While the classic recipe uses just meat and sauce, you can sneak in some veggies for added nutrition. Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to the sauce and can help you sneak in some healthy greens.
- Use Homemade Sauce: If you have a little extra time, try making your own marinara sauce instead of using store-bought. A homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs can elevate the flavor of the dish.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to switch up the type of cheese! You can use provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes incredibly well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
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