Introduction
Baked spaghetti recipe is a comforting classic that brings together rich sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese in one satisfying dish. It feels familiar yet special, making it perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep for busy days. The oven baked finish adds depth and texture that regular stovetop spaghetti cannot offer.
The beauty of baked spaghetti lies in its layered flavors and hearty structure. Slow cooked sauce seeps into every strand of pasta, while cheese melts into a golden topping that holds everything together. Each bite feels warm, filling, and deeply satisfying without being complicated to prepare.
This baked spaghetti recipe is designed for home cooks who want reliable results with simple ingredients. The method is straightforward, the flavors are balanced, and the final dish feels like something made with care and experience. It is a recipe that earns a permanent place in your kitchen routine.
Ingredients Needed
Below is the complete ingredients list written in a proper column format with approximate calorie values. Calorie counts may vary based on brands and portion sizes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti pasta | 500 grams | 780 |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | 240 |
| Onion finely chopped | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic minced | 5 cloves | 22 |
| Ground beef | 500 grams | 1150 |
| Tomato sauce | 3 cups | 210 |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons | 45 |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons | 10 |
| Salt | to taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | 16 |
| Mozzarella cheese shredded | 2 cups | 640 |
| Cheddar cheese shredded | 1 cup | 455 |
| Parmesan cheese grated | ½ cup | 215 |
| Fresh parsley chopped | 3 tablespoons | 4 |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon | 100 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt generously.
- Add spaghetti pasta and cook until just tender according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Place a large pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add chopped onion and cook for five minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and stir continuously for one minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a spoon.
- Cook the beef until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat if needed to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Add tomato sauce and tomato paste to the cooked beef.
- Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and sugar.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat the oven to medium temperature suitable for baking casseroles.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with half of the meat sauce.
- Mix gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the dish.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture and spread evenly.
- Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top layer.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese evenly.
- Cover the dish loosely and place it in the oven.
- Bake for twenty minutes until heated through and cheese begins to melt.
- Remove the cover and bake for another ten minutes until cheese is golden.
- Remove from oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for ten minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
• Replace ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to increase texture and flavor.
• Use ricotta cheese between layers for a creamier baked spaghetti.
• Increase red chili flakes if a spicier dish is preferred.
• Swap mozzarella with provolone for a sharper cheese profile.
• Add cooked spinach to the pasta mixture for extra nutrition.
• Prepare the dish a day ahead and bake just before serving for deeper flavor.
Nutritional Information
Baked spaghetti provides a filling balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 28 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Fat | 26 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
| Calcium | Moderate |
| Iron | Moderate |
This dish offers long lasting energy and satiety. When paired with vegetables or a fresh salad, it becomes a well rounded meal suitable for all ages.
Serving Suggestions
Serve baked spaghetti warm directly from the oven for best texture and flavor. A crisp green salad with light dressing balances the richness of the dish beautifully. Garlic bread or plain dinner rolls pair well and help soak up the extra sauce.
This recipe works well for family style serving, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat evenly without losing flavor. Individual portions can also be frozen for quick future meals.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti recipe brings together simplicity, comfort, and rich flavor in one dependable dish. The layered pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese create a meal that feels both hearty and satisfying. Every bite reflects careful preparation and balanced seasoning.
Making baked spaghetti at home allows complete control over ingredients and taste. Once tried, this recipe becomes a trusted option for busy evenings, special occasions, and comforting family meals that everyone looks forward to sharing.
