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Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

This Baked Spaghetti recipe combines al dente pasta with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce mixture, layered with creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner that yields hearty, flavorful servings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 32 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese and Eggs

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, but boil for 2 minutes less than indicated to keep it slightly firm. Drain the noodles and rinse them with room-temperature water to stop the cooking process. While the water is heating, proceed to the next step.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Use a spatula to break up the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened. Drain any excess grease from the pan and return it to medium heat.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend flavors.
  5. Toss Spaghetti Mix: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the beaten eggs and shredded Parmesan cheese, tossing thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly.
  6. Assemble in Dish: Pour a thin layer of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to coat it lightly. Add the spaghetti mixture on top. Cover the spaghetti with the remaining meat sauce, then spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Note 1: Cooking the spaghetti 2 minutes less than package instructions ensures it doesn’t become mushy during baking.
  • Note 2: Italian seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if unavailable.
  • Note 3: Beaten eggs help bind the spaghetti and cheese mixture for a firmer texture when baked.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/baked-spaghetti-recipe/