Baked Spaghetti
A comforting baked spaghetti dish that combines noodles, cheese, and meat or veggies for a satisfying family meal. Prepare ahead and enjoy easy cleanup!
Ingredients
Pasta and Base
- 12 oz dried spaghetti or similar pasta like penne or ziti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage can substitute with meatballs or leave out entirely
- 4 cups pasta sauce your favorite variety
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella for topping and flavor
- 2 large eggs helps bind the dish together
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 cup parmesan cheese for topping and additional flavor
- 2 cloves garlic minced for extra flavor
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup cream cheese for creaminess (optional)
- 1 cup cottage cheese for creaminess (optional)
- 1 cup mushrooms or any vegetables like bell peppers or spinach
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti, meat, pasta sauce, mozzarella, eggs, and any optional ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden.
Notes
This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just cover tightly and bake when ready. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven.