Best Way To Make Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or just want a delicious meal for your family, this dish is sure to please. In this article, we will guide you through the best way to make baked spaghetti, step by step.
Ingredients
The first step in making baked spaghetti is gathering your ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Spread a layer of the spaghetti in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of the meat sauce, then a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all of the spaghetti and sauce are used up.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Variations
Baked spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Here are some variations to try:
- Add cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Swap out the mozzarella cheese for cheddar or provolone.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale between the spaghetti and the meat sauce.
- Top with breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon for added crunch.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, you are sure to love this comfort food favorite.
