Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare? This baked spaghetti recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Combining the classic flavors of spaghetti with a cheesy, creamy twist, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re searching for an easy baked spaghetti recipe or a baked spaghetti recipe with cream cheese, this guide has you covered.
Baked Spaghetti
Cuisine: Italian, USADifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes40
minutes450
kcalThis baked spaghetti recipe combines tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese layer, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
16 ounces spaghetti
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
1 green bell pepper, diced
32 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
14 ½ ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Add the diced bell pepper, pasta sauce, and canned tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Tips for the perfect Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Layering: For an extra cheesy layer, add a layer of cream cheese between the spaghetti layers.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: This baked spaghetti recipe freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Use Whole Wheat Spaghetti: For a healthier option, substitute regular spaghetti with whole wheat spaghetti. It adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce. Fresh herbs can make a big difference in taste.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese. Try adding a mix of cheddar, provolone, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter over the top before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant. You can also use a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh.
FAQ
Yes, baked spaghetti freezes well. After assembling, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or thaw overnight in the fridge and bake for 25-30 minutes.
While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta types such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
This recipe is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy baked spaghetti recipe or a baked spaghetti recipe with cream cheese, this guide provides all the tips and tricks you need to make a delicious meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this spaghetti bake recipe with your loved ones!
For more italian pastas recipes check the section dedicated to pastas dishes.
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