Description
This comforting baked spaghetti recipe layers tender pasta with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a hearty and delicious dinner that’s perfect for family meals or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Make Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Mix Eggs and Cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss well so the pasta is coated with the egg mixture.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat by layering the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow everything to meld and cook through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
