If you're looking to enhance your weeknight dinners, baked spaghetti might just be the answer. With its comforting layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese, it's a dish that appeals to many tastes. You might be surprised by the variety of options available, from classic recipes to more adventurous takes. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meat lover's dish or a vibrant vegetarian version, there's something for everyone. Let's investigate these five best baked spaghetti recipes that promise to satisfy your cravings and impress your family.
Classic Baked Spaghetti
Classic Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the richness of tomato sauce with the hearty texture of pasta and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is straightforward and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
With layers of spaghetti, savory ground meat, and gooey cheese, this classic dish will surely become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an even heartier dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
You can also substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
To save time, prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking; just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if cooking from cold.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and added flavor!
Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Bake
If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal that combines the goodness of pasta with the creamy richness of cheese and spinach, then this Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Bake is perfect for you.
This baked spaghetti dish isn't only easy to prepare but also a great way to sneak in some greens while satisfying your cheese cravings. The layers of spaghetti, spinach, and ricotta create a delightful medley of flavors that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sautéed spinach, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the spinach mixture.
You can also use a mix of different cheeses like feta or gouda for a unique twist. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming directly from the fridge.
Enjoy your cheesy spinach and ricotta bake!
Meat Lover's Baked Spaghetti
Meat Lover's Baked Spaghetti is a hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of pasta with a savory blend of meats, cheese, and a rich sauce. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hungry family, and it can easily be customized with your favorite meats and cheese.
The layers of spaghetti, meat sauce, and gooey cheese create a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, top with half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an even heartier dish, consider adding additional meats such as pepperoni or ham, or even bacon for extra flavor.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, to give the dish a unique twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
Enjoy your Meat Lover's Baked Spaghetti!
Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti Delight
Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti Delight is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a medley of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, showcasing a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
With layers of spaghetti, a savory vegetable sauce, and gooey cheese, this baked dish is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, cooking until they're tender.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti with the vegetable sauce, mixing well.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or even some cooked lentils for added protein.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
To make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
Just remember to extend the baking time by a few minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Enjoy your Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti Delight as a comforting meal any day of the week!
Spicy Italian Sausage Bake
Baked Spaghetti with Spicy Italian Sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This comforting meal combines the rich taste of spicy Italian sausage with al dente spaghetti, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to perfection.
It's easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, brown the spicy Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Pour the sausage and marinara mixture over the spaghetti, mixing until well combined. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
You can also customize this dish by incorporating vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage or use whole wheat spaghetti.
For a make-ahead option, assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're starting from the fridge.
Enjoy garnishing with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor!