Baked Spaghetti Recipe: Easy & Delicious
This easy baked spaghetti recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering. It's a comforting classic with a cheesy, bubbly topping that everyone will love. This recipe is optimized for search engines, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for simplicity and uses common pantry staples. You likely already have most of these ingredients at home!
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked spaghetti dish every time.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don't overcook! We'll be baking it later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic!
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Pour the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
- Don't overcook the spaghetti: Al dente pasta is key for a perfect bake.
- Get creative with your toppings: Add some cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or vegetables for extra flavor and protein. Experiment!
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad is the perfect complement to this rich and satisfying dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover baked spaghetti. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This easy baked spaghetti recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #bakedspaghettirecipe on social media!
