Cuisine: Italian-American

Category: Main Dish

Keywords: baked spaghetti, meat sauce pasta, cheesy pasta bake

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Introduction

This Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce is a comforting twist on a classic pasta dish. Featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with a savory homemade meat sauce and baked with optional layers of gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
4. Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until well coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly with foil and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.