Irresistible Baked Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

 Irresistible Baked Spaghetti with Hearty Meat Sauce

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this baked spaghetti recipe is your answer. Packed with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a simple, family-friendly meal. The secret? A slow-simmered meat sauce that infuses every bite with deep, robust flavor, plus a cheesy, oven-baked finish that takes it to the next level. Whether you're making this for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients and Their Roles

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb (450g) ground beef – Provides a rich, meaty flavor and texture. You can also use ground turkey or sausage for variation.

1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.

3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the sauce with an aromatic, slightly spicy kick.

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – Forms the base of the sauce, creating a thick, velvety consistency.

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds texture and bursts of juicy tomato flavor.

1/4 cup tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato richness and helps thicken the sauce.

1 teaspoon dried oregano – Brings an earthy, slightly bitter note to balance the sweetness of tomatoes.

1 teaspoon dried basil – Infuses a mild sweetness and enhances the Italian-inspired taste.

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a touch of heat for those who love a little spice.

1 teaspoon salt & 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing and enriching the sauce with a hint of smoothness.

1/2 teaspoon sugar – Helps cut acidity from the tomatoes, creating a balanced flavor.

For the Spaghetti and Baking:

12 oz spaghetti – The star of the dish, perfectly absorbing the rich sauce.

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, golden layer.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty depth of flavor.

1 tablespoon butter – Tossed with pasta to prevent sticking and add a silky finish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Brown the meat: Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.

3. Simmer the sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

4. Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

5. Cook the pasta: Add spaghetti and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking.

3. Assemble and Bake

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Layer the ingredients: In a greased baking dish, mix cooked spaghetti with a portion of the meat sauce to coat it. Spread the remaining sauce evenly on top.

8. Add cheese: Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy

10. Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

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Why This Recipe is Loved

Perfectly balanced flavors – The slow-simmered sauce creates a deep, rich taste.

Easy to make – Simple steps, yet the dish feels gourmet.

Crowd-pleaser – A hit at family dinners, gatherings, and meal prep.

Customizable – Swap meats, add veggies, or make it spicy to suit your taste.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti

✅ Undercook the pasta slightly – It will finish cooking in the oven without getting mushy.

✅ Let the sauce simmer – The longer, the better. This enhances depth and richness.

✅ Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has additives that prevent smooth melting.

✅ Layer strategically – Mixing some sauce with the spaghetti before baking ensures even coating.

✅ Rest before serving – This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked spaghetti with:

Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

Caesar salad – A crisp, tangy contrast to the richness of the dish.

A glass of red wine – Complements the deep flavors of the sauce beautifully.

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Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Unforgettable Dish

This baked spaghetti with hearty meat sauce is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never disappoints. Try it tonight and experience why

 it’s a must-have in every kitchen!

Got any variations or secret ingredients you love adding? Share your thoughts in the comments below!