Baked Spaghetti

Baked Spaghetti is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This delicious dish brings together the flavors of pasta, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
How to Prepare:
Baked Spaghetti is a simple and straightforward dish to prepare. Start by gathering all the ingredients you will need, including the spaghetti, marinara sauce, ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Next, it’s time to assemble the baked spaghetti. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Top it with half of the sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the baked spaghetti is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow it to set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this Baked Spaghetti recipe is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time it takes to cook the spaghetti noodles and prepare the sauce. The dish then bakes in the oven for about 40 minutes, making it a total preparation time of approximately 1 hour.
Servings:
This Baked Spaghetti recipe makes about 8 servings. However, the number of servings may vary depending on portion size and individual appetites. It’s a satisfying dish that is sure to please a crowd.
Nutrition Facts:
The following nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 27g
Tips:
1. You can customize this Baked Spaghetti recipe by adding other ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
2. Leftovers of this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
3. Serve Baked Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or macaroni would all work well in this dish.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey would be a delicious and lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover Baked Spaghetti?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked spaghetti for later consumption. Simply place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful dish that is loved by many. Try this recipe and indulge in its deliciousness. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a comforting family dinner. Enjoy!