Description
Comforting and hearty baked spaghetti with a rich meat sauce and cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. After draining, set the spaghetti aside, making sure to coat it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat into small pieces. Continue to cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish light yet flavorful.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the sugar, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for some heat. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce, using tongs to toss and coat the pasta thoroughly.
- Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbling, and the top is lightly browned.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Baked spaghetti can be frozen after cooking, and it reheats well. Consider substituting ground meat with turkey or plant-based options for variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Protein: 28 g