Baked Spaghetti is a delightful twist on the classic spaghetti dish that combines the flavors of traditional spaghetti with the comfort and heartiness of a casserole. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic Italian-American meal in a new and exciting form. Layers of spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese come together to create a savory, baked dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a weeknight comfort meal, baked spaghetti offers a combination of flavors that everyone is sure to love.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain the excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Spaghetti Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked and drained spaghetti with the egg mixture until well-coated.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer with half of the ricotta cheese, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving
History and Origin of Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti finds its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, but it has evolved into a beloved comfort dish in American households. Spaghetti, one of Italy’s most famous exports, became popular in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially as Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them.
While traditional spaghetti is served with marinara or meat sauce, baked spaghetti likely emerged as an American adaptation of other baked pasta dishes such as lasagna or baked ziti. The concept of combining pasta with cheese and sauce, and then baking it into a hearty casserole, caters to the American love for rich, filling meals that can be shared among large families or at gatherings.
Baked spaghetti mirrors the fusion of Italian flavors with the convenience and comfort of American cooking. With the addition of layers of cheese, and sometimes eggs, it becomes a versatile dish that can be customized to individual tastes. Over time, variations of baked spaghetti have spread across the U.S., with regional adaptations that include different meats, sauces, and cheeses.
Variations of Baked Spaghetti
While the classic baked spaghetti recipe is satisfying on its own, there are many ways to customize the dish based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti: Skip the ground beef and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. The meatiness of mushrooms combined with the flavors of roasted vegetables makes this a hearty, meat-free version of the dish.
- Spicy Baked Spaghetti: If you love a little heat, you can spice things up by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or mixing in spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. A dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture can also elevate the dish for those who enjoy bold flavors.
- Cheesy Alfredo Baked Spaghetti: For a creamy twist, swap out the traditional marinara sauce for a rich Alfredo sauce. Layer the pasta with Alfredo, cooked chicken, and plenty of cheese for a decadent, creamy baked pasta dish.
- Gluten-Free Baked Spaghetti: Simply replace the traditional spaghetti with a gluten-free variety. Many gluten-free pasta options hold up well during baking and can be used without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Mexican-Inspired Baked Spaghetti: Add a Tex-Mex twist by incorporating taco seasoning into the beef, swapping marinara for salsa or enchilada sauce, and layering with black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and guacamole for a fusion of flavors.
Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When boiling your spaghetti, make sure to cook it just until it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite). The pasta will continue cooking while it bakes in the oven, so overcooked spaghetti can become mushy.
- Use a Variety of Cheeses: While mozzarella is a classic choice for baked spaghetti, mixing it with cheddar, provolone, or even Gouda can add different layers of flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking gives the dish a crispy, cheesy finish.
- Make It Ahead: One of the best things about baked spaghetti is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting with a chilled casserole.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti
Baked Spaghetti is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some popular accompaniments:
- Garlic Bread: The rich, cheesy goodness of baked spaghetti pairs perfectly with crispy garlic bread. It’s ideal for scooping up extra sauce and cheese.
- Simple Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Add some cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of feta for added texture and flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, add a healthy and flavorful complement to the meal.
- Wine Pairing: For those enjoying an adult meal, a red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the tomato-based sauce and hearty beef in baked spaghetti.
Conclusion
Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, offering a savory and indulgent take on classic spaghetti. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit. This baked version of spaghetti delivers layers of rich sauce, melted cheese, and tender pasta—all baked to perfection. With its deep roots in Italian-American cuisine and its ability to bring people together over a shared love of good food, baked spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of the warmth and comfort that home-cooked food can bring.