Welcome to a journey through one of the most comforting and delicious meals: baked spaghetti. This recipe combines the rich textures and flavors of spaghetti with the creamy, melty goodness of cheese and the vibrant zest of tomatoes to create a dish that's perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or even potlucks. Here’s how you can make this crowd-pleasing dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Pre-cooking the Spaghetti
- Boil water in a large pot, add a good pinch of salt, and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Preparing the Sauce
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Assembling the Dish
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the chopped basil, mixing until smooth.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Place half of this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti and sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
5. Serving
- Let the baked spaghetti rest for about 10 minutes to set before cutting into it. Garnish with the remaining basil for a fresh touch.
🍽️ Note: While spaghetti might seem like an odd candidate for baking, this method actually makes the pasta incredibly tender and melds all the flavors together in a way that's uniquely comforting.
Tips for Variations
- Meat Lovers: Add crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and instead load up with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Cheese Variants: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a twist on the traditional.
Throughout this recipe, we've explored how a simple spaghetti dish can be transformed into something spectacular. The key points to remember include:
- Pre-cooking the pasta until al dente to ensure it doesn't overcook in the oven.
- Allowing the sauce ingredients to meld through simmering, which brings out richer flavors.
- Layering different components thoughtfully to achieve a balance in texture and taste.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated, then bake it when you're ready. If baking from cold, you might need to add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
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Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used for a different flavor profile or to cater to dietary restrictions.
How long can I store leftovers?
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Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Hopefully, this guide on making a delicious baked spaghetti has inspired you to try this comforting meal at home. Remember, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility, allowing for endless customization to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Enjoy the process of cooking, the taste of home-cooked food, and the warmth it brings to your table!
