Baked Spaghetti
This baked spaghetti is cheesy, hearty, and comforting. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, it combines tender spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Cheese
- 1 jar marinara or pasta sauce (24 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
- Mix pasta and ricotta: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the sauce and ricotta cheese, mixing until evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow baked spaghetti to rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.