Spaghetti, one of our favorite comfort foods, can sometimes be a bit messy to eat. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy this beloved pasta dish without the hassle? Enter baked spaghetti – a wonderful alternative that’s both delicious and easy to manage!
Why Baked Spaghetti?
Unlike traditional spaghetti, baked spaghetti is cooked in the oven and then sliced like a pie. This means you get shorter, more manageable noodles that have been baked to perfection in a tasty sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes.
Homemade Sauce for Extra Flavor
When it comes to making a flavorful pasta sauce, there’s no doubt that homemade is the way to go. And it’s easier than you might think! One secret to a sauce bursting with flavor is using whole, canned San Marzano tomatoes. Trust me, these slightly more expensive tomatoes make a noticeable difference in taste.
Just like the difference between Roma tomatoes and heirloom varieties, San Marzano tomatoes add an intense and interesting flavor to your dishes. Another trick is to start with canned whole tomatoes and crush them by hand, using the juice they come in as well.
Seasoning and Ingredients
Since you’ll be building the sauce from scratch, it’s important to properly season the beef and spaghetti. Salt and pepper are essential, along with any herbs you like. Once you’ve sautéed your onions and browned the ground beef, add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and herbs. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes while the flavors meld together.
Assembling and Baking
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, toss well, and transfer it to a casserole dish. If there’s too much for the skillet, use the casserole dish instead. Top the mixture with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350˚F and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.
A Family-Favorite Dinner
With its rich flavors and mouthwatering blend of cheese, this baked beef spaghetti is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. And the best part? It’s a lot less messy than traditional spaghetti, making it a perfect choice for a stress-free meal.
Recipe Details
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 1-lb box spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 28-oz can San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions for 5 minutes, or until they start to turn translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the meat is browned, approximately 8 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, crush tomatoes by hand. Pour both tomatoes and the juice into the skillet with the beef, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add chopped basil. Toss the sauce with the cooked spaghetti. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a casserole dish if it won’t all fit in the skillet. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve piping hot.
This recipe has been adapted from Delish. So, give it a try and enjoy a delightful and mess-free spaghetti experience!
