Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe That You Will Love

This baked spaghetti recipe is perfect for busy families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's so simple and tasty.

Ingredients:

- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti

- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce

- 1 tsp Italian seasoning

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/4 tsp black pepper

- 1 cup ricotta cheese

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

3. Add Flavor: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors can blend together.

4. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Place the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl. Pour the meat sauce over it and toss until well coated.

5. Layer the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Add small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden color.

7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Baked spaghetti is easy to prepare, but a few tips can make it even better:

1. Cook Pasta Slightly Firm: Do not fully cook the spaghetti when boiling. Leave it a little firm so it keeps its texture after baking. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy in the oven.

2. Use Fresh Cheese if Possible: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese melt smoothly and create a creamier topping. Pre-shredded cheese often has added starch, which can affect the texture and flavor of the baked spaghetti.

3. Add Vegetables for Variety: To make the dish healthier and more colorful, add vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. These add extra flavor and nutrition without changing the classic taste of the recipe.

4. Season the Sauce Well: Always taste your sauce before mixing it with the pasta. Adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning according to your preference. A flavorful sauce will make the whole baked spaghetti taste much better.

5. Cover While Baking: If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil during the first half of baking. This helps the pasta heat evenly while keeping the cheese soft until the final minutes.

Baked spaghetti makes great leftovers and can be enjoyed for days after cooking. If you have extra portions, proper storage will help keep the dish fresh and safe to eat.

First, let the baked spaghetti cool down completely before storing. Placing hot food directly into the fridge can create moisture, which may spoil the dish faster. Once cooled, transfer the spaghetti into airtight containers.

In the refrigerator, baked spaghetti can last for up to four days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze baked spaghetti for up to two months. Be sure to wrap it tightly or use freezer-safe containers.

When you are ready to eat the frozen spaghetti, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, your baked spaghetti recipe will still taste delicious even days or weeks after making it.