Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and cheesy dish that takes classic spaghetti to the next level. This recipe layers tender spaghetti with a rich and flavorful marinara sauce, ground beef or sausage, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. The combination of savory meat sauce and melted cheese makes every bite irresistible, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti: 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, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Let the baked spaghetti cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your Mozzarella Baked Spaghetti as a delicious, cheesy meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!
