Baked Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Remove from the oven, let it rest
10 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
288 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Spaghetti
Description
This recipe starts by cooking spaghetti noodles just shy of al dente, allowing them to finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Ground beef is browned with diced onion and garlic, then simmered with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for balanced savory and slightly spicy flavors. The sauce mixture is combined with the cooked spaghetti in a baking dish for even coating.
The pasta and beef mixture is topped with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, which bake uncovered until the top cheese layer melts and lightly browns, providing a mild crunchy and gooey texture contrast. Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps the flavors meld and the dish to set for easier serving.
This baked spaghetti serves well as a standalone dinner or can be paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for added balance. Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers up to five days. For best melting and flavor, shred whole cheese blocks rather than using pre-shredded options.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic or 1 Tablespoon minced garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- parsley optional, fresh chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles 2 minutes less than al dente based on the package instructions. Drain the pasta and place it in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a large skillet over medium high heat. Break up the beef as it browns and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Stir in the maraina sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce is heated through.
- Pour the beef mixture on top of the noodles in the baking dish. Toss the beef mixture with the noodles until the noodles are coated with the beef and sauce.
- Smooth the mixture into an even layer.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the top of the casserole starts to brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut into squares, serve warm topped with the chopped parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Shred block cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 288 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 288kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 800mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 491mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 544IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 158mg | 16% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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