Easy Baked Spaghetti
Transform your weeknight dinner with this comforting, hearty baked spaghetti. This casserole features al dente noodles coated in a savory beef and garlic marinara sauce, topped with a generous trio of melted cheeses. By slightly under-cooking the pasta, we ensure a perfect texture that holds up beautifully in the oven, creating a golden, crispy, and cheesy delight that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 0.5 medium onion, finely diced
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and set the oven rack to the top third position.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti for two minutes less than the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and place it into a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with onion, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, heat for 3 minutes, then combine with the pasta in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner version. Ensure you do not overcook the pasta initially so it stays firm after baking. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.