Introduction
Baked spaghetti is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a family dinner or served at gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe results in a hearty, cheesy meal that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound spaghetti noodles
1 pound ground chuck
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Baked spaghetti is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any dining table. Enjoy the rich flavors and the gooey texture that comes from baking spaghetti with meat sauce and loads of cheese. Perfect for meal prep or family celebrations, this recipe is sure to please!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
Cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion
Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 6: Cook the Ground Chuck
Add the ground chuck to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 7: Drain Excess Fat
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 8: Add Marinara Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce and chopped fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 9: Combine Noodles and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti noodles with the meat sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
Step 10: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 11: Add Cheese Layer
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan over the spaghetti layer.
Step 12: Repeat Layers
Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the remaining cheeses.
Step 13: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Step 14: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 15: Rest Before Serving
Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This baked spaghetti can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing after baking, be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Cook techniques
Cooking Spaghetti Noodles
Cook spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente for optimal texture. Always drain the noodles well after cooking to avoid excess water.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet before adding diced onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This enhances the flavor base of the dish.
Browning Ground Chuck
Add ground chuck to the sautéed onions and garlic, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Ensuring it is browned thoroughly adds depth to the meat sauce.
Simmering Sauce
After browning the meat, add marinara sauce and fresh basil. Allowing the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes helps meld the flavors together.
Layering for Baking
When transferring the spaghetti mixture to a baking dish, layer half of it followed by half of the cheeses. Repeat this layer for thorough cheese distribution and a gooey texture.
Baking Techniques
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to start baking. This prevents the cheese from burning while allowing the dish to heat through. Remove the foil towards the end of baking for a bubbly, golden cheese finish.
Resting Before Serving
Let baked spaghetti rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the dish to set, making it easier to serve.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other types of pasta like penne or fusilli, though cooking times may vary.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the dish beforehand, refrigerate it, and bake it closer to serving time.
What can I use instead of ground chuck?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti?
Yes, baked spaghetti can be frozen. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat it in the oven when ready to serve.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, or extra herbs like oregano and thyme to enhance the flavor profile of the sauce.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of marinara, ground chuck, and melted cheeses, making it a perfect meal for gatherings or family dinners. Its layered structure ensures every bite is satisfying, while the addition of fresh basil adds a touch of aromatic freshness. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Vegetable Pasta Bake
Replace ground chuck with sautéed mixed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Mexican Spaghetti Bake
Add taco seasoning to the ground chuck and mix in black beans and corn. Top with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a southwest twist.
Italian Sausage Spaghetti Bake
Substitute ground chuck with crumbled Italian sausage for a spicier flavor profile. You can also mix in sliced olives for an extra kick.
Pesto Spaghetti Bake
Incorporate pesto sauce instead of marinara for a vibrant and herby alternative. Add sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.
Chicken Alfredo Baked Pasta
Use shredded cooked chicken and a creamy alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a rich and indulgent pasta bake. Top with additional Parmesan for extra flavor.
