Baked Spaghetti

by
Baked Spaghetti

Introduction

Spaghetti is a universally loved dish, but sometimes you want something a little different than the usual spaghetti recipe. Enter the Baked Spaghetti: a delightful fusion of traditional spaghetti combined with cheesy, creamy layers baked to perfection. This dish is sure to be a hit at any family gathering or potluck. Let’s delve into this mouth-watering recipe and explore every step to create a heavenly meal.

Detailed Ingredients

The ingredients required for this baked spaghetti are quite straightforward and may already be in your pantry:

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) of spaghetti sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Here’s a quick overview to help you plan:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent and soft.
  4. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat thoroughly.
  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, top with half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: spaghetti, meat sauce, and finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, before serving.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
  • You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it a bit longer if it’s coming straight out of the fridge.

Cook Techniques

The best part about this Baked Spaghetti recipe is that it combines multiple cooking techniques to enhance the flavor and texture:

  • Boiling: Cooking the spaghetti to al dente is crucial; it needs to have a bit of a bite so that it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.
  • Sautéing: Browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic adds depth and a caramelized flavor to the sauce.
  • Baking: This final step melds all the components together, giving the dish a cohesive flavor portfolio. It also creates a delicious, golden-brown cheese crust on top.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this Baked Spaghetti recipe:

  • Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni,