Name: Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; chopped parsley, for garnish

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Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite is that comforting, soul-satisfying dish you’ll be craving time and again. Imagine perfectly al dente noodles intertwined with a savory meat sauce, blanketed in gooey, bubbling cheese. Each bite brings back memories of family gatherings, laughter echoing around the kitchen, and the irresistible aroma that fills your home as it bakes. This timeless casserole blends the best of hearty pasta and cheesy goodness—it’s simple to prepare, unfailingly crowd-pleasing, and truly feels like a warm hug at dinnertime.

Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of classic staples, this dish comes together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy finish. Don’t overlook the little touches—they turn Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite into a true standout.

Spaghetti (12 oz): Go for quality pasta and cook it to just al dente, so it holds up perfectly while baking.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté the meat and aromatics, adding richness without overpowering the dish.
Ground beef (1 lb): Provides hearty flavor and texture; swap for turkey or sausage if you want a twist.
Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce as it softens.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): A little goes a long way for that background warmth and complexity.
Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Shortcut to rich tomato goodness—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with a balanced blend of herbs.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and brightening all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and earthiness in every bite.
Eggs (2 large): The secret to binding the spaghetti strands together for sliceable portions.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Lends nutty, salty depth to the pasta.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): That signature stretch and melty top—use whole milk mozzarella for best results.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Freshens up each serving with a little burst of color and herbiness.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite

Step 1: Prep and Boil the Spaghetti

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spritz or swipe of oil—this ensures easy serving later. Cook your spaghetti just until al dente in a big pot of salted boiling water, then drain. Set the noodles aside; they’ll finish cooking in the oven, soaking up even more flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef, letting it brown and develop those delicious crispy bits. Toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for a few minutes until everything softens and your kitchen starts to smell incredible.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for about 5 to 10 minutes, letting the flavors marry and deepen—if you sneak a spoonful, don’t worry, it’s part of the fun!

Step 4: Toss Spaghetti with Eggs and Parmesan

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan. Add the drained spaghetti, tossing thoroughly so every strand gets coated in that rich, cheesy mixture. This simple step transforms the dish by creating a tender, sliceable base for your casserole.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

Time to build your masterpiece! Spread half of the egg-coated spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon over half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers—spaghetti, sauce, mozzarella—to create a generous, gooey stack that’s primed for baking.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes—this helps everything heat through without browning too fast. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melty, bubbly, and gloriously golden around the edges. Let your Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite rest for five minutes so those layers can settle and slice neatly.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite

Garnishes

Nothing finishes this dish quite like a flourish of bright green herbs. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the bubbling cheese just before serving; it’s a simple step, but it brings freshness and a pop of color that makes your Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite especially appetizing. Feel free to add extra grated Parmesan or even a light dusting of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a star on its own, but a few classic sides can elevate your meal into a real Italian-American feast. Pair slices with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or serve with buttery garlic bread for scooping up every last delicious sauce-laden bite. Steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, offer a wholesome balance alongside the rich main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite shines even brighter with a little touch of creativity. Try serving squares in individual ramekins for personal portions at a gathering. If you’re feeding a crowd, bake the casserole in two smaller pans—one for now, one to freeze. You can also give it a rustic twist by baking in a cast-iron skillet, making the cheese around the edges irresistibly crispy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite keeps beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, store portions in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so you might find the next-day slices even more irresistible.

Freezing

This dish is practically made for freezing! Simply assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with a layer of foil (and a second layer of plastic wrap for extra insurance), and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—making Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite perfect for meal prep or gifting to friends and family.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly—about 20 minutes. Individual servings can also be microwaved on medium power; add a splash of water or sauce and cover with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic and delivers that perfect texture, you can substitute with linguine, penne, or even gluten-free noodles. Just be mindful of the cooking times, and aim for al dente so the pasta holds up while baking.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and sauté extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also swap in a meatless ground or add lentils for a hearty, wholesome twist while keeping the spirit of Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite.

Can I use cottage cheese or ricotta for a creamier dish?

Definitely! For a lasagna-style flair, add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese between the spaghetti and sauce layers. This adds creaminess and a lovely contrast to the tangy marinara and melty mozzarella.

What’s the best way to prepare this dish ahead?

Assemble the casserole completely, cover well, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, bake as instructed—just add a few extra minutes if it goes straight from fridge to oven. This makes Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite a great option for busy weekdays or entertaining.

Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?

Yes, just use two baking dishes and double all the ingredients. Bake both at the same time, rotating the pans halfway through for even browning. Everyone will be clamoring for seconds, so it’s wise to make a little extra!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself turning to again and again, whether it’s for weeknight comfort or a special family get-together. The layers of hearty pasta, rich sauce, and all that melty cheese are sure to bring a smile to your table. Give it a try, share with those you love, and let this classic become a favorite in your home too!

Baked Spaghetti: A Family Favorite Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and hearty dish that is a favorite among families. Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese come together to create a delicious meal that is perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti

Meat Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Spaghetti Mixture:

2 large eggs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Prepare spaghetti mixture: In a bowl, beat eggs, stir in Parmesan, and toss with cooked spaghetti.
Assemble: Layer spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella in the baking dish. Repeat layers. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for additional 10–15 minutes.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.