Baked spaghetti has a special place in the hearts and homes of families all over the world. This dish marries the hearty goodness of pasta with rich, flavorful sauces and melted cheese, creating a comfort food that warms both the body and soul. Imagine a simple yet satisfying meal that you can pull from the oven, bubbling and golden, ready to bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, baked spaghetti is a dish that never disappoints.
Why We Love This Baked Spaghetti Recipe
The love for baked spaghetti stems from its versatility and ease. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to all taste buds, and it’s simple enough for beginners and cooks alike. This dish delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone can appreciate. The crispy edges, creamy cheese, and robust sauce create a wonderful contrast that keeps you coming back for seconds.
Moreover, baked spaghetti is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and enjoy individual servings throughout the week. This recipe is also adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients to fit your preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, baked spaghetti fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti
To craft this delicious baked spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a full-bodied flavor palette that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Directions
Making baked spaghetti is a straightforward process that involves several simple steps. Start by dicing your yellow onion and mincing your garlic cloves. Grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue stirring until the sausage is nicely browned.
Next, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion turns soft and translucent, soaking up all the delicious flavors. At this point, combine the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and water into the skillet. Stir everything well, allowing the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
While the sauce simmers, focus on the spaghetti. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1/2 tablespoon of salt to the water for flavor. Carefully add the spaghetti and cook until it’s tender but still firm to the bite. You don’t want it fully cooked at this stage as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the spaghetti in a colander.
Now, combine the drained spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, stirring well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper until well blended.
To begin layering your baked spaghetti, lightly grease an 8×11″ casserole dish. Start by adding half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture to the dish, then spread the cottage cheese mixture over the top. Follow this up with the remaining spaghetti and sauce mixture, finishing off by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese on the very top.
Before popping it into the oven, cover the dish with foil. Bake your spaghetti in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Once the timer goes off, remove the foil and let the cheese bubble and brown for a few more minutes.
As a final touch, you can sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for that extra pop of color and flavor. After letting it cool slightly, slice your baked spaghetti into six generous pieces and serve it hot.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti
Serving baked spaghetti is as enjoyable as making it. You can serve it up straight from the casserole dish or plate it individually for a more formal setting. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You might also consider offering a loaf of garlic bread to experience the delightful combination of flavors.
As you dig into your baked spaghetti, take a moment to appreciate the layers and textures on your plate. The cheesy top layer gives way to the warm, flavorful pasta underneath—all combined with the rich meat sauce. It’s a feast for your senses, making every bite a special experience.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
- Cook Your Pasta Al Dente: Remember to cook your spaghetti slightly less than the package instructions. This prevents it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to swap out cheeses according to your preference. Mixing different types can add unique flavors.
- Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to your sauce for added nutrition.
- Use Good Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your Italian sausage and tomatoes, the richer and more flavorful your sauce will be.
- Let It Rest: Allow your baked spaghetti to sit for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and makes serving easier.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti
Storing your baked spaghetti is simple thanks to its structure. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep the baked spaghetti in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it longer, consider portioning it into freezer-safe containers. In the freezer, it can last for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave. If the pasta seems dry, adding a splash of water or sauce can restore its original texture.
Variations of Baked Spaghetti
Baked spaghetti is an incredibly adaptable dish. Here are some variations you might consider trying:
- Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti: Simply omit the Italian sausage and load your dish with assorted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Use a plant-based cheese alternative for a completely vegetarian meal.
- Mexican-Style Baked Spaghetti: Spice things up with taco seasoning. Add beans, corn, and jalapeños to your meat sauce, and use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the topping.
- Seafood Baked Spaghetti: If you enjoy seafood, try substituting the sausage with shrimp or crab. Pair it with a creamy white sauce for a luxurious twist.
- Spicy Baked Spaghetti: Add some heat to your dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage. You can adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
FAQ About Baked Spaghetti
What can I serve with baked spaghetti?
You can serve baked spaghetti alongside a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I prepare baked spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish earlier in the day or even the night before, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Is baked spaghetti suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure it’s in a tightly sealed container, and you can enjoy it for a quick meal later.
How do I reheat leftover baked spaghetti?
You can reheat it in the microwave or place it in the oven. If it seems dry, adding a little water or sauce can help restore moisture.
Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?
Definitely! Simply swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying this delicious dish.
Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces spaghetti uncooked
- 1 cup cottage cheese, small curd
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Sauce Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces, and cook until nicely browned.
- Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and water. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
Pasta Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 tablespoon of salt. Cook the spaghetti until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the spaghetti.
Combine and Layer
- Combine the drained spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
- Grease an 8x11-inch casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture, then spread the cottage cheese mixture on top, followed by the remaining spaghetti and sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Baking
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil for an additional few minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown.
- Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving.
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