Baked Spaghetti

Baked spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s so simple to whip up! Picture golden, cheesy layers mingling with pasta and rich, savory sauce. If you’re looking for a dish that says “welcome home” with every bite, you’re in the right place. This recipe brings together delicious Italian flavors that will warm your soul. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep, making it a go-to choice for busy evenings.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti
• Ingredients
• Sautéing the Vegetables and Meat
• Heat the Olive Oil and Cook the Sausage
• Add Onion and Garlic
• Prepare the Sauce
• Cooking the Spaghetti
• Boil the Pasta
• Combining Layers
• Mix Pasta with Sauce
• Prepare Cheese Mixture
• Layer the Casserole
• Baking the Dish
• Bake the Spaghetti
• Garnishing and Serving
• Final Touches
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting in the kitchen, baking spaghetti is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it allow the flavors to meld beautifully, but it also results in a mouthwatering dish that looks impressive when served! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started. Here’s how to create a scrumptious baked spaghetti that everyone will love!

Why This Recipe Works

Baked spaghetti offers a delightful balance of flavors by allowing the sauce to infuse into the pasta. The layering of ingredients creates a comforting texture, along with that depth of taste that captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors. As you bake, the cheese on top caramelizes beautifully, adding an appealing golden finish that makes it hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti

You’ll quickly see why this baked spaghetti is perfect for gatherings or meal prep! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that warms both the heart and soul. The rich tastes of Italian sausage combined with creamy cheeses ensure a delightful experience with every spoonful. Plus, this recipe keeps things easy with minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy maximum flavor without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 1 yellow onion ($0.42)
• 3 cloves garlic ($0.24)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ($3.00)
• 3 oz. tomato paste ($0.45)
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ($0.85)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.10)
• 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
• 1/2 cup water ($0.00)
• 12 oz. spaghetti ($1.00)
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese ($0.93)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ($0.50)
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ($1.25)
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish) ($0.05)

Sautéing the Vegetables and Meat

Heat the Olive Oil and Cook the Sausage

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned.

Add Onion and Garlic

While the sausage cooks, chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic. Once the sausage is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

Next, stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cooking the Spaghetti

Boil the Pasta

Now it’s time for the pasta! Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil, then add in ½ tablespoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, carefully add in the spaghetti and cook until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. After draining, set the pasta aside to cool slightly.

Combining Layers

Mix Pasta with Sauce

Combine the drained spaghetti with the meat sauce. Stir until every strand of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.

Prepare Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper. This creamy blend adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease an 8×11″ casserole dish. Start layering by adding half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture on the bottom. Next, add the cottage cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Top this with the remaining spaghetti and sauce, and finish it off with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Baking the Dish

Bake the Spaghetti

Cover the casserole dish with foil to keep the moisture in. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This baking time allows all those wonderful flavors to come together.

Garnishing and Serving

Final Touches

Once the baking time is up, take the dish out of the oven. Remove the foil and, if desired, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a splash of color and added freshness. Slice into six portions and serve warm to your eager friends and family!

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful meal, consider pairing baked spaghetti with a crisp side salad or some warm garlic bread. This combination creates a full Italian feast that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Tips for Success

A little tip: make sure the spaghetti is slightly undercooked before baking. This helps achieve the perfect texture. Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences—cooking should always be enjoyable and reflect your personal style!

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, why not swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken? For a vegetarian spin, sauté some colorful veggies instead of using meat. The options are endless!

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? No worries! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before diving back in!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, feel free to use any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.

2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
   Just swap in gluten-free pasta and check that your sauces are gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare this in advance?
   Absolutely! Simply assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking.

4. Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
   You can use ricotta cheese instead for a creamy option.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add some red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick!

Baked spaghetti isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings joy to the dinner table. With layers of cheese and pasta lending warmth to every bite, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite. Get ready to create delicious memories with every forkful!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Garlic Butter Salmon
• Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus

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