Baked Spaghetti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
601 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Spaghetti
Description
The main component of Baked Spaghetti is a meat sauce prepared by browning ground beef and Italian sausage with onions and garlic, then simmering with marinara and tomato sauce. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, this sauce dresses cooked spaghetti, binding the pasta strands with robust flavor. The mixture is placed in a greased pan, topped with shredded mozzarella, and baked first covered, then uncovered, until the cheese melts and forms a golden crust.
Texture varies from tender pasta coated in sauce to the rich, slightly crispy cheese topping. The simmered sauce balances the meat's savoriness with tomato brightness, while the cheese adds a creamy, melty contrast. This casserole serves well as a filling main dish, suitable for family dinners or potlucks.
For best results, cook spaghetti al dente before mixing with sauce to withstand baking. Using freshly shredded mozzarella enhances melting. The recipe suggests using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a clean herbal note at the end.
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed, mild
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
For assembly
- 16 ounces spaghetti cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9"x13" pan with cooking spray.
For the sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and sausage to the pan. Season the meat with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the meat for 3 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Add the onion to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until meat is browned and cooked through and onion is tender.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the marinara sauce and tomato sauce to the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
For assembly
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and cheese is melted and browned.
- Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Notes
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente before assembling the casserole to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties to ensure the cheese melts smoothly without anti-caking agents.
- Choose 90% lean ground beef to maintain flavor while keeping the sauce less greasy.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 601 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 601kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Cholesterol | 102mg | 34% |
| Sodium | 726mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 863mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 680IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 189mg | 19% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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