Spaghetti is a beloved pasta dish enjoyed worldwide, often served with a rich tomato sauce, meatballs, and a dusting of parmesan cheese. However, when it comes to baking spaghetti, the possibilities expand, introducing a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that can transform this classic dish into something truly special. In this blog post, we're diving into five irresistible baked spaghetti recipes that you'll be eager to try. From the classic Italian lasagna-like layers to twists with ingredients that add a unique zing, these baked spaghetti dishes are sure to win over your palate.
The Classic Baked Spaghetti
Starting off with a timeless classic, this baked spaghetti dish offers comfort in every forkful:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a pan, brown the ground beef or sausage. Drain excess fat and add marinara sauce, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil in a bowl.
- Layer half of the spaghetti in a greased baking dish, top with half of the sauce and ricotta mixture, then sprinkle some mozzarella. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden.
📝 Note: Using aluminum foil prevents the top from burning and keeps the pasta moist.
Spaghetti Carbonara Bake
If you're looking for a creamier version of baked spaghetti, this recipe inspired by carbonara will be your new favorite:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 6 slices of pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Steps:
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
- Cook pancetta or bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, whisk egg yolks with cream, pecorino cheese, and salt. Combine with spaghetti and half of the pancetta.
- Place the spaghetti mixture in a greased baking dish, top with remaining pancetta, mozzarella, and a generous grind of pepper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Mexican-Inspired Baked Spaghetti
Infuse your baked spaghetti with vibrant Mexican flavors for a fusion dish that's fiesta-worthy:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned)
- 1 jar salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, cilantro
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti, then drain.
- Brown the meat, add taco seasoning, beans, corn, and salsa. Cook for a few minutes.
- Layer half the spaghetti in a baking dish, followed by the meat mixture and cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 25 minutes, covered with foil. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
🌮 Note: For added texture, consider topping with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
Veggie Supreme Baked Spaghetti
For those craving a vegetable-loaded option, this dish is both nutritious and delicious:
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Steps:
- Cook spaghetti until tender, drain.
- Roast vegetables except spinach at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
- Combine spaghetti, marinara, roasted veggies, and spinach.
- Place in a baking dish, top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes or until the cheese is golden.
Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Casserole
Indulge in a rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole with a touch of Alfredo:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to instructions, then drain.
- Combine Alfredo sauce, sour cream, milk, and garlic powder.
- Mix cooked spaghetti with chicken and sauce.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with cheeses.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
🍗 Note: Substitute cooked shrimp or veggies for chicken to cater to different dietary preferences.
In wrapping up this culinary journey, it's clear that baked spaghetti transcends simple pasta dishes. These recipes offer a twist on the traditional, creating culinary experiences that blend the comfort of spaghetti with the depth of baked dishes. Whether you're looking for a hearty, cheesy bake or a lighter, veggie-packed option, there's a baked spaghetti dish here to suit every palate. Enjoy experimenting with these irresistible recipes, and may they bring warmth and joy to your dining table.
Can I prepare baked spaghetti ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the baked spaghetti a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
What type of cheese should I use for the best melting?
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Mozzarella is excellent for melting due to its stretchy quality. For a bolder flavor, consider adding sharp cheddar or Pecorino Romano.
How do I prevent baked spaghetti from drying out?
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Always cover your baking dish with aluminum foil for the initial baking time. This helps to retain moisture, and only remove the foil in the last few minutes to brown the cheese.
