Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (35-38 Minutes)

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Imagine tender spaghetti noodles enveloped in a rich, savory tomato sauce infused with flavorful ground beef, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. When baked, the cheesy topping becomes golden brown and crispy offsetting the tender noodles below. The aroma alone will make your mouth water with anticipation!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (24 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and season with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles on top, followed by another layer of the meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  6. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses.
  7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
  8. Once done, remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Pair with a side of crusty bread or a simple Italian salad for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

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