If you’re craving a comforting and satisfying pasta dish, look no further than baked spaghetti. This delicious twist on the traditional spaghetti recipe takes it to a whole new level of flavor and texture. With its layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, baked spaghetti is a crowd-pleasing favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds. In this blog post, we’ll share with you an easy-to-follow recipe for baked spaghetti that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering and comforting Italian classic!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425g) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Noodles Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Layer the Baked Spaghetti Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch (22x33cm) baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked spaghetti noodles on top of the sauce. Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses.
Step 4: Bake the Baked Spaghetti Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once baked, remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Cut into portions and serve hot, accompanied by a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the comforting and flavorful experience of baked spaghetti with this delightful recipe. The layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese create a harmony of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, baked spaghetti is sure to impress. Embrace the warmth and heartiness of this Italian classic and enjoy a memorable meal that will bring everyone to the table.