Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Here’s a detailed recipe for Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce—comfort food at its finest

🍝 Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground chicken

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz / 400g) tomato sauce

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the spaghetti:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the spaghetti:

   • Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft.

   • Add garlic and cook 1 minute.

   • Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

   • Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, pepper, chili flakes, and salt.

   • Simmer 10–15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

3. Assemble the baked spaghetti:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • In a greased baking dish, combine half the cooked spaghetti with half the meat sauce. Mix well.

   • Spread dollops of ricotta or cream cheese (if using) over the top.

   • Layer the remaining spaghetti, then pour the rest of the meat sauce on top.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.

4. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Let it rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.