Description
Baked Spaghetti is a comforting family favorite that combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses. This hearty casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or potluck dish that pleases both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 tsp. kosher salt (for cooking beef)
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400ËšF (200ËšC). Grease a 9-by-13-inch or similarly sized 3-quart baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Beef and Add Seasoning: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7 minutes.
- Combine Meat with Sauce and Pasta: Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked beef and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the drained spaghetti and ricotta cheese until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the spaghetti and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 30 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top before serving to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use salted butter for richer flavor and easier seasoning adjustment.
- For extra spice, increase red pepper flakes as preferred.
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Fresh basil adds brightness but can be omitted or substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
