Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe

If you love classic Italian flavors but want something that’s cozy and hands-off, this Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. It’s a lovely twist on the usual spaghetti dinner — you get that comforting saucy pasta mixed with savory ground meat and then baked until bubbly under a blanket of cheese. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

I often make this when I need something filling but also crave that fresh pop of herbaceous basil cutting through the richness. What makes this Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe truly special is how effortless it is to pull together and that it always pleases a crowd, whether it’s family night or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are a delicious bonus.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, fresh, and work together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. I recommend using good quality marinara sauce and fresh basil to really brighten up the dish — trust me, it makes all the difference.

• Spaghetti (dry): I use classic spaghetti, but any pasta you have on hand will work — just cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
• Ground chuck: This adds rich flavor and juicy texture, but you can swap for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a nice fruity note when sautéing the aromatics.
• Unsalted butter: Just a bit gives the sauce base a silky mouthfeel.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely to melt into the sauce and add subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for that classic Italian aroma — don’t skimp here!
• Marinara sauce: Store-bought works fine in a pinch, but homemade will elevate the recipe plenty.
• Fresh basil: Adding it twice—both in the mix and sprinkled on top—gives layers of fresh herbal brightness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts perfectly and creates that gooey, irresistible topping.
• Parmesan cheese: I like to fold some into the sauce and sprinkle some on top for nutty, savory depth.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season well — it brings out all the flavors and keeps the dish balanced.

Variations

I love switching this recipe up depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Veggie Lover’s Twist: I sometimes add chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce mixture for extra veggies — it’s a great way to sneak in nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes sautéed with garlic gives the dish a subtle heat that I absolutely adore.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free pasta, and trust me, no one will miss the regular noodles.
• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve used dairy-free cheese alternatives and just a drizzle of olive oil instead of butter — still deliciously comforting.
• Different Meats: Ground sausage instead of chuck adds a ton of flavor, or try ground turkey for a lighter option.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente — about a minute or two less than the package says. This way, the pasta will hold its structure during baking and won’t turn mushy. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside, but don’t rinse! You want all that starch to help thicken the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute—you’ll start smelling that wonderful garlicky aroma filling your kitchen. Now add the ground meat, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper as you go.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce and Basil

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir everything well. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Then, stir in half of the chopped fresh basil and half of the Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens—fresh basil adds such a bright lift to that rich, meaty sauce.

Step 4: Put It All Together and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, mix the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and meat mixture until it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, and finish with the rest of the fresh basil leaves. Pop it in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh basil on top just before serving — it adds such a refreshing pop of color and herb flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil and some cracked black pepper never hurts either. Sometimes, I even add a handful of toasted pine nuts for a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread is a must-have in my opinion — I can’t resist soaking up that savory sauce with some buttery, toasty bread on the side. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving individual portions in small ramekins — it feels cozy and elegant. You can also layer the mixture in a glass casserole dish to show off the cheesy, saucy layers through the sides. A sprinkle of edible flowers or microgreens as a garnish adds a lovely touch for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cool leftovers to room temperature then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep wonderfully for up to 4 days, and the flavors only deepen. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta.

Freezing

This baked spaghetti freezes really well, which is perfect for meal prepping. After baking, let it cool completely, then divide into portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F with a piece of foil loosely covering the dish to keep it from drying out. Alternatively, a quick microwave method is fine — just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring halfway. Adding a splash of water or sauce helps keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s simple, satisfying, and so forgiving — perfect for those nights when you want a delicious meal without fuss. I hope you try making it soon and find as much joy in the bubbling cheese and fresh herb notes as I do. It’s like a little taste of home, and I’m, honestly, always thrilled when friends come back asking for seconds.

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