Easy Baked Spaghetti
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
35 mins
-
Total Time
45 mins
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
476 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
American
Easy Baked Spaghetti
Description
The Easy Baked Spaghetti starts with cooked spaghetti boiled just shy of fully done to maintain texture during baking. Ground beef is browned with onion, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a mildly spiced foundation. Garlic and marinara sauce are added for depth and a rich tomato base.
The cooked beef mixture is combined evenly with the pasta in a casserole dish, then topped with a generous layering of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Baking uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes allows the cheese to melt thoroughly and develop a slight golden crust, complementing the tender pasta and seasoned meat mixture beneath.
This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings, making it practical for family dinners. Using a prepackaged cheese blend is suggested as a shortcut, though freshly grated cheese enhances flavor. Marinara sauce volume is specified to ensure ample sauce coverage and moisture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook it for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Once it's done, drain it and add it to a 9x13 casserole/baking dish.
- Meanwhile, add the beef, onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes to a skillet. There should be enough fat released by the beef to cook the onion, but if it's particularly lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat has browned/cooked through (about 10 minutes). If there's a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
- To the skillet, stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute, then add in the marinara sauce and cook for a few more minutes until it's warmed through. I stir in some salt & pepper as well.
- Pour the beef mixture over top of the spaghetti. Toss until everything is coated. Smooth it out into an even layer.
- Top with the cheeses and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese if you want (watch it carefully). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then serve by cutting it into squares using a spatula. I garnished it with some chopped parsley, but that's totally optional.
Notes
- Serves 6 to 8 depending on portion sizes.
- A blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar can be used for convenience, but freshly grated cheese improves taste.
- Use about 32 ounces (4 cups) of marinara sauce, typically one 24-ounce jar plus some from a second.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 476 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 476kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 1052mg | 44% |
| Potassium | 788mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 914IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 351mg | 35% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
You'll Also Love
