Baked Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
25 mins
-
Cook Time
30 mins
-
Total Time
55 mins
-
Servings
8 servings
-
Calories
413 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
Baked Spaghetti
Description
Baked Spaghetti combines spaghetti cooked al dente with a rich sauce made from browned ground beef, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, Italian seasoning, pasta sauce, and canned diced tomatoes. The mixture is assembled in a greased baking dish, topped with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked until the topping is golden and bubbly. The parsley adds a fresh herbal note before baking.
The textures vary from tender pasta coated in flavorful sauce to the melted, browned cheese crust on top, offering both creaminess and slight crispness. This layering method transforms simple spaghetti into a comforting casserole suitable for family dinners or meal prepping.
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Leftovers hold well refrigerated for several days and can be reheated either in the oven or microwave. It can also be made ahead and frozen before baking, adjusting baking times accordingly.
When baking from frozen, covering the casserole with foil initially helps maintain moisture; add cheese later to achieve the desired topping texture.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- ¼ cup parsley or 2 tablespoons dried, chopped, fresh
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese about 6oz, shredded
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, lean
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 32 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices, 1 can, canned
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti al dente according to package directions.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meat, onion, garlic, seasoning, and green pepper while breaking up the meat. Drain fat if needed.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cooked spaghetti and parsley.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish, top with cheeses, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and the cheese is browned and bubbly. Cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- If preparing ahead or freezing, freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) covered with foil; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Increase baking time to 35-40 minutes if baking from frozen, adding cheese after 20 minutes for best topping texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 413 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 413 | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 1054mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 864mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 945IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 28mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 216mg | 22% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
