Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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Introduction

Baked spaghetti is a comforting and satisfying dish that transforms classic spaghetti into a hearty casserole. Its popularity stems from its ease of preparation, adaptability, and the delightful combination of textures tender noodles, rich sauce, and a golden, bubbly topping. Often a weeknight staple and a potluck favorite, baked spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes use of familiar ingredients in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

The beauty of baked spaghetti lies in its flexibility. Here’s a basic ingredient list, with suggestions for customization:

• Spaghetti: One pound. Any type works, but thicker strands hold up well to baking.
• Ground Meat: One pound. Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination are popular choices. For a vegetarian option, substitute with lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Pasta Sauce: 24-28 ounces. Use your favorite jarred sauce, or make a homemade marinara.
• Onion and Garlic: One medium onion, diced, and 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced, form the aromatic base.
• Cheese: A combination of ricotta cheese (15 ounces), mozzarella cheese (8 ounces, shredded), and Parmesan cheese ( cup, grated) is traditional. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina.
• Egg: One large egg, beaten, helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning (or oregano, basil, and thyme), and red pepper flakes (optional, for heat).
• Butter or Olive Oil: For sauting and greasing the baking dish.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is key to a delicious baked spaghetti:

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, but slightly undercook it (al dente) as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine the Sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
5. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.

Tip: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat sauce while it’s simmering. This intensifies the tomato taste and adds depth.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly baked spaghetti:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce. Toss well to coat.
3. Layer the Spaghetti: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Add the Ricotta Layer: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
5. Top with Remaining Spaghetti: Cover the ricotta layer with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
6. Sprinkle with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
8. Rest: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Baked spaghetti is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Garnishes: Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
• Plating: Cut into squares or rectangles and serve warm. A dollop of sour cream or ricotta cheese can be added on top.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here are some tips and common mistakes to avoid for the best baked spaghetti:

• Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the oven. Aim for al dente.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of the final dish.
• Don’t Skip the Ricotta Layer: The ricotta layer adds a creamy and cheesy element that is essential to baked spaghetti.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Dish: Don’t overfill the baking dish, as this can prevent the spaghetti from cooking evenly.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the baked spaghetti to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
• Tip: For a crispier topping, broil the baked spaghetti for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning a baked spaghetti recipe unlocks a world of comforting flavor and effortless entertaining. Its hearty nature, adaptability to personal tastes, and practical use of everyday ingredients make it a culinary gem for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping potluck dish, baked spaghetti promises a satisfying experience that blends Italian tradition with modern convenience. Dare to try this recipe at your home, and you may visit foodrecipestory.com to explore more cooking guides and ideas!