baked spaghetti and meat sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
baked spaghetti and meat sauce recipe
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The Best baked spaghetti and meat sauce recipe

I’ve been making baked spaghetti and meat sauce for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This recipe is a classic, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I love that it’s a one-dish meal, so there’s less cleanup involved.

The combination of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese is absolute perfection. My kids can be picky eaters, but they always devour this dish without complaint. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together – just 30 minutes in the oven after some prep work on the stovetop.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up ground beef or sausage that might be lingering in the fridge. I’ve served this at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a regular Tuesday night dinner. It’s become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

The best part? It’s actually pretty healthy for you – just 500 calories per serving! I like to serve it with some garlic bread on the side for dipping into that savory sauce.

My family loves it when I make this recipe for them because it’s just so satisfying to eat. Baked spaghetti and meat sauce is one of those comfort foods that never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s also surprisingly easy to customize with different types of cheese or add-ins like veggies or bacon bits.

Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

4.9 from 1661 votes

This hearty baked spaghetti with meat sauce is a comforting classic. Tender spaghetti noodles are mixed with a rich, tomato-based meat sauce and baked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

8 oz spaghetti
Salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Boil water in a large pot, add salt and cook spaghetti until al dente.
3Drain and set aside.
4The spaghetti should be slightly undercooked as it will finish cooking in the oven.
5In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
7Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
8Drain excess fat.
9Add onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef.
10Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
11Stir frequently to prevent burning.
12The onions should become translucent.
13Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
14Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
15The sauce should thicken slightly.
16In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce.
17Mix well to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated.
18The spaghetti should be well incorporated into the sauce.
19Sprinkle the top of the spaghetti with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
20The cheese should be evenly distributed.
21Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
22The edges should be lightly golden.
23Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
24This allows the sauce to settle and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. For added flavor, mix in some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion and garlic.

I love serving baked spaghetti and meat sauce at family gatherings because everyone always seems so happy when they take their first bite – it’s one of those dishes that never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face!

Not only does it feed a crowd easily (just cut into squares or rectangles), but also reheats beautifully from frozen if you need to serve leftovers later on down the line.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. However, spaghetti works best because of its long, thin shape, which allows it to be easily mixed with the sauce and cheese. If you do use a different type of pasta, make sure it’s a shape that can be easily coated with sauce.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. This is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble it up to a day ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help it cook more evenly.

3. Can I freeze baked spaghetti and meat sauce?

Yes, you can freeze this dish before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

To make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. To make it vegan, use a plant-based cheese alternative and omit the ground beef. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Mozzarella is the traditional choice because it melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the sauce. However, you can use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan, if you prefer. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti. Just make sure to check the labels on all of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. Also, be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you choose to use them as a topping.

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