Classic Baked Spaghetti

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish of Classic Baked Spaghetti after a long day. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and the smell of savory sauce and melted cheese filled my kitchen as I prepared it for my family. We gathered around the table, laughter echoing off the walls, forks clinking against plates, and in that moment, I knew I had created something special. The joy on my loved ones’ faces as they dug into this hearty meal made all the effort worthwhile. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, Classic Baked Spaghetti never fails to bring everyone together.

Recipe Ingredients for Classic Baked Spaghetti

When it comes to Classic Baked Spaghetti, the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each component plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life. The combination of pasta, sauce, and cheesy goodness creates a perfect harmony of flavors that will make your taste buds rejoice. Let’s dive into the key players:

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles: The foundation of the dish; these long, thin noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 1 pound Italian sausage: Adds a richness and hearty flavor that elevates the entire meal.
• 1 medium chopped onion: Provides a sweet and savory base when sautéed, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: A must-have for that aromatic touch; it adds depth to the sauce.
• 36 ounces marinara sauce: The star of the show! This tangy sauce ties all the flavors together.
• ¼ cup tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce for a richer texture.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that adds a burst of Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A sprinkle of spice to round out the flavors.
• 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the dish.
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
• 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps to keep the dish moist.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty topping that makes every bite irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: A fresh finishing touch that brightens up the dish.

Instructions for Classic Baked Spaghetti

Cooking Classic Baked Spaghetti is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a comforting meal in no time. Follow these easy steps to bring this delicious dish to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish starts baking at the right temperature.
2. Prepare a 9 x 13 deep casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. In a large pot, boil water and add the 16 ounces spaghetti noodles. Cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. Remember, you want them slightly firm as they will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
4. While the noodles are cooking, heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until there’s no pink remaining, about 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces for even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
5. Next, add the 1 medium chopped onion and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
6. Stir in the 36 ounces marinara sauce, ¼ cup tomato paste, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors before removing it from the heat.
7. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, and 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. This mixture will help bind the pasta together and add richness.
8. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the egg mixture. Toss gently until every noodle is well coated.
9. In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti noodles at the bottom, followed by half of the sausage sauce and half of the 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. You want the cheese on top to melt and start to brown, adding a beautiful golden color to your dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can turn on the broiler for a minute or two to get an extra crispy top.
11. Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle. Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Whether you’re looking to change things up or accommodate dietary needs, here are some tips to adapt Classic Baked Spaghetti:

• Storage: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. Just cover it tightly and thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian twist.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique flavor.

Accompaniments for Classic Baked Spaghetti

• Side Dishes: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or buttery garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings, Classic Baked Spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Seasonal Pairings: In winter, serve with a warm soup, while in summer, a light salad complements the dish beautifully.
• Make it Festive: Consider serving it during festive occasions like birthdays or family reunions to create lasting memories.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Classic Baked Spaghetti stands out as the perfect comfort food, combining rich flavors and hearty ingredients that bring people together. It’s an easy, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal with family. I encourage you to try making it tonight and experience the joy it brings. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite!

Classic Baked Spaghetti

The ultimate comfort food, Classic Baked Spaghetti is a cheesy, savory delight perfect for weeknight dinners. With layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, this dish is not only satisfying but incredibly easy to make. Share it with family or friends and enjoy the warm, inviting flavors that make this recipe irresistible.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 52 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 7 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 36 ounces marinara sauce
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish starts baking at the right temperature.
• Prepare a 9 x 13 deep casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• In a large pot, boil water and add the 16 ounces spaghetti noodles. Cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. Remember, you want them slightly firm as they will continue cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• While the noodles are cooking, heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until there’s no pink remaining, about 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces for even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
• Next, add the 1 medium chopped onion and 1 tablespoon minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
• Stir in the 36 ounces marinara sauce, ¼ cup tomato paste, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors before removing it from the heat.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese, and 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter. This mixture will help bind the pasta together and add richness.
• Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the egg mixture. Toss gently until every noodle is well coated.
• In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti noodles at the bottom, followed by half of the sausage sauce and half of the 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheese.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. You want the cheese on top to melt and start to brown, adding a beautiful golden color to your dish. If you're feeling adventurous, you can turn on the broiler for a minute or two to get an extra crispy top.
• Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to settle. Before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months. Just cover it tightly and thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Tip 3: Serve with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Substitute the sausage with mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian twist.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique flavor.

Keyword baked spaghetti, easy spaghetti recipe, Italian Comfort Food, spaghetti casserole

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.