How to Make Delicious Baked Spaghetti

Dive into the heartwarming goodness of Baked Spaghetti, a dish that takes the classic comfort of spaghetti and elevates it with a bubbly, cheesy crust. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for gathering the family around the dinner table. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a casual weekend dinner, Baked Spaghetti offers the ultimate comfort food experience, combining tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Easy to prepare and loved by both kids and adults, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Baked Spaghetti:

• Comforting and Hearty: Filled with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, it’s the epitome of comfort food.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Even tastier the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftover lunches.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with the whole family, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients Notes For Baked Spaghetti:

• Spaghetti: The base of the dish. Cooked al dente, it absorbs the sauce and flavors while baking.
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds rich flavor and protein to the meat sauce. You can use one or a combination of both.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
• Cheese: A mix of shredded mozzarella for meltiness and grated Parmesan for a sharp flavor enhances the dish.
• Seasonings: Garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning add depth to the sauce.
• Eggs and Milk: Bind the spaghetti, creating a firm base that slices easily after baking.

Recipe Steps:

1. Prep the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with garlic and onions until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmering for a few minutes.
3. Combine Pasta and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and a portion of the Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked spaghetti in this mixture to coat.
4. Layer the Ingredients: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, top with half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Let the baked spaghetti sit for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerate: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

How to Make Delicious Baked Spaghetti

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Ingredients

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• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine Meat and Marinara Sauce:
   • Stir the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Mix Spaghetti and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine. Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Add Cheese Layer:
   • Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the spaghetti in the dish. Repeat layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture and cheeses.
6. Prepare Egg Mixture:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Pour this mixture evenly over the top layer of spaghetti.
7. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Let the baked spaghetti stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

• Author: Maria