Baked Spaghetti

By Rian HandlerUpdated: Apr 18, 2023

4.2

53 Ratings

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preview for This Baked Spaghetti Is Comfort Food Perfection

While we could never get tired of classic spaghetti with homemade meat sauce, sometimes we're looking for the easiest possible route when it comes to making a weeknight dinner. Enter: baked spaghetti. This casserole is what comfort food is all about—cheesy, hearty, and completely versatile to whatever you have on hand. Ready in around an hour, this is the simplest and most satisfying dish when you're looking to truly please, without heaps of extra effort.

Can I add anything else?

Absolutely! If you're all about the cheese, feel free to add extra—try adding sliced fresh mozzarella, and even more Parmesan on top. Craving veggies? Cook up some peppers or mushrooms alongside your onion and garlic to add a little extra something to this casserole. Don't have fresh basil on hand? No problem! Experiment with your favorite dried herbs and spices. If you're not feeling ground beef, you can also switch it out for any meat—or veggie meat alternative—your heart desires: ground sausage or ground turkey would also make delicious options.

This dish is one of our favorite last-minute dinners to make because of how completely versatile it is. Use what you have on hand; switch it up every time you make it!

What should I serve with this?

Looking for a delicious side to pair with your spaghetti bake? Try one of our favorite veggie sides, like our smashed broccoli, roasted asparagus or air fryer Brussels sprouts. If you're looking to go the extra mile and feed a crowd, whip up our sheet-pan panzanella, stuffed mushrooms or our classic cheesy garlic pull-apart bread.

Have you made this recipe? Tell us how it went in the comment down below!

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Yields:: 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 15 mins
Total Time:: 1 hr
Cal/Serv:: 684

Ingredients

Cooking spray
16 oz.
spaghetti
2 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
1
medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2
cloves garlic, minced
1 lb.
ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp.
Italian seasoning
1
(28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 c.
basil, chopped
1 c.
shredded mozzarella
1/4 c.
freshly grated Parmesan
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a medium baking dish with cooking spray. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Step 2 Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Drain fat in a bowl lined with paper towels and return to pan. Pour in crushed tomatoes and basil and simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3Toss with spaghetti, then transfer to baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through, about 20 minutes.
4. Step 4 Garnish with parsley and serve.