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Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef, Marinara, and Mozzarella Recipe

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3.9 from 49 reviews

This classic Baked Spaghetti recipe features al dente spaghetti combined with a savory ground beef marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. It's an easy, comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box)

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 pound ground chuck (ground chicken or turkey also work)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade, approx. 1 jar)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (divided)

Dairy and Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
  • 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Seasonings

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for baking.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat and wipe the skillet clean.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the diced onion until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Combine Sauce and Meat: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon chopped basil, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir well to combine.
  6. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce and mix thoroughly until the spaghetti is evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Assemble for Baking: Transfer the spaghetti mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese has melted completely and the dish is heated through.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the remaining chopped fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked spaghetti.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting texture and flavor.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/baked-spaghetti-with-ground-beef-marinara-and-mozzarella-recipe/