Baked Spaghetti

 

🍝 Baked Spaghetti

A cozy casserole-style spaghetti dish layered with meat sauce, melty cheese, and pasta — perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!

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🕒 Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

• Total Time: ~55 minutes

• Servings: 6–8

• Diet: Classic Comfort Food

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🛒 Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 egg (for binding)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

🔹 Step 1: Cook Spaghetti

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

🔹 Step 2: Make Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

🔹 Step 3: Prep the Pasta

In a bowl, toss cooked spaghetti with the beaten egg and Parmesan. This helps bind the base layer.

🔹 Step 4: Assemble

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer in order:

1. Half of the spaghetti mixture

2. Half the meat sauce

3. Half the mozzarella

4. Repeat layers

🔹 Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

🔹 Step 6: Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

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🍅 Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic bread & green salad

• Sprinkle with red chili flakes for heat

• Use ricotta for a lasagna-style twist