Description
This Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe combines perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with a blend of melted cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting and hearty family-friendly pasta bake that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 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
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack in the top third.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a salted pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain, then transfer to a 9×13 inch casserole or baking dish.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if the beef is very lean to help cook the onion. Cook until meat is fully browned, about 10 minutes, draining excess fat if needed.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir minced garlic into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute. Then add the marinara sauce, warming it through while stirring. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Layer: Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Spread into an even layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake and Broil: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Cut into squares and serve, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Serves 6-8 depending on appetite.
- For a shortcut, use a 2-cup bagged blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar; freshly grated cheese yields better flavor.
- 4 cups marinara sauce equals 32 ounces, so use one 24-ounce jar plus a bit from a second jar if needed.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the pasta set and makes it easier to cut into squares.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat and drain excess grease during cooking for a healthier dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
