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Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite That’s Thick and Cheesy

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Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite That’s Thick and Cheesy

Baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. This isn't your average quick weeknight pasta; it's a layered masterpiece, rich with flavor and boasting a thick, cheesy topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Forget watery sauces and bland noodles – this recipe delivers on its promise of a truly indulgent and deeply satisfying meal.

Baked spaghetti takes the best elements of classic spaghetti and meat sauce and elevates them with a creamy, cheesy layer and a trip to the oven. The result is a casserole-style dish that's incredibly flavorful, easy to make ahead, and perfect for feeding a crowd. So, if you're looking for a new go-to recipe that's sure to impress, look no further!

Why You'll Love This Baked Spaghetti Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: It's warm, hearty, and satisfying, perfect for any season.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Easily serves a family and is a hit at gatherings.

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in advance and bake it when ready.

  • Rich and Flavorful: Layers of meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender spaghetti create an explosion of taste.

  • Versatile: Easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients and dietary needs.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/Italian sausage)

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth

  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the Spaghetti Layer:

  • 1 pound spaghetti

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg, beaten

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking spaghetti

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce

  • 9x13 inch baking dish

  • Mixing bowls

  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions


1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water/broth. Add Italian seasoning, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

In the same pot (or a large mixing bowl), toss the hot drained spaghetti with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg until well combined. This coating prevents the spaghetti from clumping and adds flavor.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, one beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Baked Spaghetti

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

First Layer (Spaghetti): Spread half of the buttered spaghetti evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Second Layer (Cheese): Carefully spoon and spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.

Third Layer (Spaghetti): Top with the remaining buttered spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.

Fourth Layer (Meat Sauce): Spoon the meat sauce generously over the top spaghetti layer, ensuring it covers most of the noodles.

Fifth Layer (Cheese Topping): Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.

5. Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden. If you like a darker, crispier cheese topping, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

6. Serve

Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes for easier slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

  • Don't Overcook Spaghetti: Cook it to al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.

  • Drain Meat Thoroughly: This prevents a greasy sauce.

  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce and cheese mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

  • Freezing Instructions: Baked spaghetti freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if still partially frozen.

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onion for added nutrition and flavor.

  • Different Meats: Use Italian sausage (hot or mild), ground turkey, or a combination of meats.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

  • Extra Cheesy: Mix some shredded provolone or cheddar cheese into the mozzarella layer.

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti.

Conclusion

This baked spaghetti recipe is more than just a meal; it's an experience. The thick, rich meat sauce, combined with the creamy, cheesy layers and perfectly cooked spaghetti, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will make it an instant classic in your home. It's the kind of dish that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food!



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