Baked Spaghetti Delight

Savor my easy baked spaghetti recipe! Packed with cheesy goodness and rich sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Give it a try!

May 19, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Roll Up Your Sleeves for Baked Spaghetti

Oh my gosh, have you ever come home after a long day and just craved something comforting? that’s when baked spaghetti swoops in like a superhero, ready to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Imagine layers of soft, twisted pasta, draped in a flavorful marinara with gooey cheese bubbling on top. honestly, it’s like a hug from your favorite italian nonna.

This dish has roots in italian-american culture, making it not just a meal but a nostalgic experience. it’s one of those comforting classics that can feed the whole family without breaking the bank! this recipe is easy —trust me, if you can boil water and stir, you've got this in the bag.

You can whip it up in just about 45 minutes , and it serves a crowd—think 6 to 8 hungry people ready for a feast!

Why You'll Love Baked Spaghetti

Besides the fantastic taste , this baked spaghetti is surprisingly good for you. packed with nutrients from the vegetables (if you add them) and protein from the cheese and meat, you can dig in without the guilt.

Plus, it’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or potlucks that’ll have your friends asking for your secret recipe.

What really makes this dish special? it's incredibly versatile. you can tweak it to your heart's content—add italian sausage for a meaty punch or load it with fresh veggies to amp up the nutrition.

And if you're in the mood for a little kick, toss in some jalapeños to spice things up. no matter how you dress it, this baked spaghetti will always feel like home.

Ready to dive in? grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! the aroma of baked spaghetti bubbling away is sure to draw everyone to the kitchen.

Who can resist peeking in on that cheesy goodness? you'll be whipping this dish out for years to come.

Baked Spaghetti Delight Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or your preferred pasta shape)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) ground Italian sausage or beef (optional)
• 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Boil salted water, add the spaghetti, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using sausage, add & brown it, breaking it into small pieces, then drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti and sauce until evenly coated.
• Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining spaghetti and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

Ingredients & Equipment for Baked Spaghetti Delight

Main Ingredients

Oh my gosh, let’s talk about those key players that make this baked spaghetti so delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your fave pasta shape
• Salt, like a teaspoon. Just enough to flavor that water!

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion , finely chopped (think about crying a bit here, no biggie!)
• 2 garlic cloves , minced (who doesn’t love that garlic goodness?)
• 1 lb (450 g) ground Italian sausage or beef (totally optional, but yum!)
• 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes (get the good stuff)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste. You know the drill!

For the Assembly:

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (or more, I won't judge)
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil for garnishing, if you feel fancy!

Quality Indicators

Don’t skimp on the meat. fresh ground sausage adds flavor like nothing else. use the canned crushed tomatoes labelled as san marzano for that sweet, natural taste.

Also, look for mozzarella that’s whole milk—it's creamier!

Seasoning Notes

Alright, spice up your life! Here’s what I usually toss in:

• Essential Spice Combinations: Basil and oregano are classic, but add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
• Flavor Enhancers: A splash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce can elevate things—trust me on this one!
• Quick Substitution Options: No basil? No problem! Use Italian seasoning instead. Need a ricotta substitute? Cottage cheese is a great swap!

Equipment Needed

You only need a few key tools; this isn't McGyver! Here’s the scoop:

• A large pot for boiling that pasta
• A skillet for sautéing, or use a deep frying pan if that’s all you got
• A 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish—totally standard in most kitchens
• Mixing bowls (gotta mix that cheese!)
• A good spatula or wooden spoon to stir things up
• Measuring cups and spoons (let’s get precise!)

So, there you have it! This list will ensure your baked spaghetti experience is top-notch. The ingredients and equipment are easy to find, making your cooking journey smooth and fun—just how it should be! Get ready for a comfy, cheesy masterpiece that'll make your dinner table sing! Happy cooking, friends!

Cooking Method: A Personal Take on Baked Spaghetti

Let’s dive into making baked spaghetti —it’s an italian-american dream! the great thing about this dish is that, honestly, it's super simple.

You just need a few basic steps to bring all that cheesy goodness to life. here's the scoop on how to make it without losing your cool.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First up, let's talk about mise en place —which is just a fancy way of saying you gotta have everything ready before you start cooking.

Chop your onions and garlic, measure out your spices, and have your pasta on standby. it makes things way easier.

Trust me, no one wants to be scrambling when the water’s boiling!

Here’s a time-saving tip: while your noodles cook, get that sauce going! multi-tasking is key in the kitchen. and as you’re at it, remember to be cautious with that hot oil and boiling water.

Safety first, folks—no one wants a kitchen disaster like those times i forgot to put on long sleeves while chopping jalapeños!

Step-by-Step Process: Your Roadmap to Success

1. Preheat that Oven: Set it to 350° F ( 175° C) and let it warm up.

2. Pasta party time: boil salted water, toss your spaghetti in, and cook until it’s just a little firm. we want it al dente , so follow the package instructions closely (about 8- 10 minutes should do).

3. Sauce it up: in a skillet, heat olive oil. sauté your onions for about 5 minutes until they're all soft and lovely.

   Toss in minced garlic for the last 30 seconds —don’t leave it too long; burnt garlic is a sad thing!

4. Add the Meat: If you're feeling generous, brown some ground sausage or beef (or swap it for a plant-based option) with the onions. Drain the fat like a pro.

5. Stir in those tomatoes: dump in your crushed tomatoes along with basil , oregano , and a pinch of salt and pepper.

   Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld those flavors.

6. Mixing Magic: In a bowl, combine your ricotta, egg, and some salt. It should be creamy and dreamy!

7. Construct your creation: in a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, slather on the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan, then top with the rest of the spaghetti.

   Finish it off with more cheese.

8. Bake Away: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes . Uncover it and let it bubble for another 5- 10 minutes until that cheese is perfectly golden.

Pro Tips: Make This Dish Shine

• For the Ultimate Crunch: Broil your spaghetti for the last 2- 3 minutes —this’ll give it that crispy texture everyone loves.
• Leftover Love: Have some leftover pasta? You can totally remake it! Just mix and match your sauces.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls: Don’t overcook the pasta; no one likes mushy spaghetti!

Thinking about making it ahead? You can prepare the whole dish and store it in the fridge overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you are ready to feast!

In the end, baking a classic like this is easy, even for a kitchen newbie. enjoy every bite of your comforting, cheesy masterpiece.

Your family will thank you, and you might just have them asking for seconds!

Recipe Notes for Your Baked Spaghetti Delight

Serving Suggestions

So, you’ve whipped up that baked spaghetti , and now it’s time to serve it up right! presentation matters, so let’s talk plating.

Use a big ol’ spoon to dish out a hearty helping, then sprinkle some fresh basil on top for a pop of color.

Add a dollop of marinara on the side for those who like a little extra sauce—who doesn’t, right?

As for sides, you can’t go wrong with a crispy green salad—just toss together some romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic.

And hey, a little garlic bread to soak up the sauce? absolute must! pair it all with a glass of chianti if you’re feeling fancy.

If not, lemonade works great too.

Storage Tips

Now, let’s talk leftovers. if you’re lucky enough to have some baked spaghetti hanging around, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days —perfect for quick dinners!

Thinking about freezing? go for it! just make sure it’s completely cooled, then divide it into portions in freezer-safe containers.

Pop it in the freezer, and it’ll be good for about 3 months . when you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave until it’s hot and bubbly again!

Variations

So you’re feeling adventurous? here’s where you can get creative! if you’re after something a little lighter, swap out the ground meat for turkey or even some plant-based crumbles .

Can’t find ricotta? cottage cheese works and adds a nice texture.

Oh, and if it’s summer and you want to use seasonal goodies, toss some roasted zucchini or bell peppers into the mix. They add a fabulous flavor and nutrition without much effort!

Nutrition Basics

Let’s break it down: a serving of this baked spaghetti packs around 450 calories with 25g of protein . that’s not too shabby, right? it’s also got carbs to keep your energy up for the day.

The best part? it’s comfort food that can bring everyone to the table and create those heartwarming moments—after all, food is about connection! plus, it’s a clever way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing.

Total win!

Conclusion

So there you have it! from serving ideas to healthy swaps, this baked spaghetti recipe is not just easy but also delightful.

You won't just be filling bellies; you'll be creating memories. now get cooking and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite of it.

Happy baking, friends!