Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with a blend of melted mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Simple to make and loaded with flavor, this baked spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ideal for feeding a group or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 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 (32 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain the pasta and place it in a 9×13 casserole or baking dish.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, add the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes to a skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. If the beef is very lean and doesn’t release much fat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. If there is excess fat, spoon most of it out.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce is warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Assemble: Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Smooth the mixture into an even layer.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. If you prefer a golden, bubbly top, broil for a few minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into squares with a spatula. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- This recipe serves 6-8, depending on portion sizes.
- For convenience, you can use a pre-shredded blend of mozzarella and cheddar, but grating your own cheese often results in better flavor.
- The recipe uses 4 cups of marinara sauce, which equals 32 ounces—one 24-ounce jar plus a portion of a second jar.
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