Baked Spaghetti Recipe – Delicious Meal Ideas

When thinking about baked spaghetti, it’s easy to get excited. This comfort dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. 

A crunchy Caesar salad loaded with fresh greens or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements it well. 

Also, let’s not forget a glass of red wine, which can elevate the experience beautifully.

What is Baked Spaghetti?

Baked spaghetti is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti. Rather than boiling pasta and serving it with sauce on top, we layer it with sauce, cheese, and sometimes other goodies before baking. 

This method allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Each bite is a harmony of textures and tastes. Cheese gets all melty and gooey, while the pasta absorbs those rich flavors. It’s really something special.

What is the Flavor Profile of Baked Spaghetti?

Imagine a plate full of spaghetti, brightened by a tangy marinara sauce. That’s the base flavor. Add in savory notes from ground meat and spices. Then, there’s an awakening element from fresh basil or sun-dried tomatoes. 

The cheese? 

Oh, it’s a creamy, rich experience, balancing out the acidity of the sauce. Layering everything together creates a delicious flavor that comforts the soul.

Why You’ll Love This?

• Simplicity: Toss ingredients together, layer, bake, and you’re done.
  
• Make-Ahead: Prep it the night before and bake it when ready.
  
• Versatile: Swap ingredients out as you like.
  
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this dish.
  
• Nourishing: Balanced with carbs, proteins, and vitamins.
  

Ingredients

Let’s gather what we need for our baked spaghetti:

– 1 pound spaghetti pasta

– 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the baking dish

– 1 teaspoon sea salt, or more as desired

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– 1 32-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce

– 1 cup ricotta cheese

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

– 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

– 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly torn

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure a beautifully baked outcome. While the oven warms up, you can chip away at prep.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water. Once it’s rolling, toss in your spaghetti. Cook it for about 8 minutes, aiming for al dente as it will cook further in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. 

Drain excess fat if necessary. Combine your salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, parmesan, smoked paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes. Give it a good stir so that everything is well mixed. This cheesy layer is going to bring a delightfully creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spaghetti and meat sauce. Stir well until the pasta is coated evenly.

Step 6: Layer Your Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Start layering. First, toss half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish. Then, cover it with the cheese mixture. 

Add the remaining spaghetti on top, and finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and torn basil over.

Step 7: Bake

Pop the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.

Tips & Tricks

• Cook Pasta Less: Since the pasta finishes cooking in the oven, undercooking it slightly enhances the texture.
  
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
  
• Use Different Cheeses: Try goat cheese or provolone for unique flavors.
  
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this the day before and refrigerate it. Bake when you’re ready.
  
• Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well. Just wrap in foil and freeze before baking.
  

How Can You Store This Baked Spaghetti?

Storing baked spaghetti is easy. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This can stay in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

If you’re looking to store them longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Ingredient Alternatives

Sometimes, we find ourselves short on a specific ingredient. Here are a few alternatives:

• Ground Beef: Consider using ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Lentils provide protein and additional textures.
  
• Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought tomato sauce could work if you run out of marinara.
  
• Cheese: If ricotta isn’t available, a blend of cottage cheese and cream cheese creates a similar texture and flavor.
  

Conclusion

Baked spaghetti is more than just a meal. It’s a love letter from the oven to your heart. Growing up, my home was filled with the scents of my mom’s cooking. Baked spaghetti was always on the table, warm and inviting. 

I hope this recipe brings joy and comfort to your table. So gather friends and family, whip up this baked spaghetti, and share a meal that creates memories. Happy cooking!

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• Shredded Turkey Copycat Recipe
• How To Make Chicken Lasagna Recipe
• Best Of Best Chicken Fried Steak Recipe Ever