Baked Spaghetti Recipe with Ground Meat and Fresh Basil Recipe
This Baked Spaghetti recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box), or any type of pasta
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground chuck (ground chicken or turkey also work)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, 1 jar)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground chuck (or chicken/turkey) to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add marinara sauce and basil: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet or transfer the meat sauce to a large mixing bowl and toss with the spaghetti until evenly coated.
- Assemble the baked spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of fresh basil and the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Use fresh pasta instead of dry for a different texture.
- For added flavor, incorporate red pepper flakes into the meat sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Keywords: baked spaghetti, baked pasta, spaghetti recipe, cheesy spaghetti bake, easy pasta bake, family dinner, Italian-American cuisine