Baked Beef Spaghetti – Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Baked Beef Spaghetti! This recipe combines tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, tangy tomatoes, and a generous amount of gooey melted cheese. With its comforting flavors and irresistible appeal, it’s a dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a satisfying homemade meal, this Baked Beef Spaghetti is sure to impress!
Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday evening, and the aroma of savory beef and bubbling cheese fills the air. As the oven timer dings, my husband and I eagerly gather around the dinner table with our little family. This Baked Beef Spaghetti has become a cherished tradition in our household, bringing us together with every cheesy bite. It all started when we stumbled upon the recipe, and we’ve been hooked ever since. The rich flavors, the nostalgia of the classic spaghetti, and the warm memories created around this dish have made it an absolute staple in our home. Now, I’m thrilled to share this beloved recipe with you!
Why This Baked Beef Spaghetti Recipe is a Must-Try?
- Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the perfect marriage of tender ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic, all simmered with the richness of San Marzano tomatoes and aromatic Italian seasoning. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that will have you craving more.
- Cheesy Goodness: The generous topping of melted mozzarella and grated Parmesan takes this dish to new heights of cheesiness. The gooey texture and golden brown crust add a satisfying touch that will make your taste buds sing.
- Family-Friendly Feast: Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater or a large gathering, Baked Beef Spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of spaghetti and savory beef, blanketed in a melty cheese layer, appeals to all ages and is perfect for satisfying appetites.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (454g) spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (28 oz./794g) San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120g) chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions for about 5 minutes, or until they turn translucent and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned, approximately 8 minutes.
In a medium bowl, crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand. Pour both the tomatoes and their juices into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Remove the skillet from heat. Add the chopped fresh basil to the sauce and toss it together with the cooked spaghetti. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
If the mixture won’t all fit in the skillet, transfer it to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. Serve the Baked Beef Spaghetti piping hot and savor the comforting flavors.
Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious next-day meal.
In conclusion, Baked Beef Spaghetti is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a culinary experience that brings people together. With its rich flavors, cheesy indulgence, and comforting familiarity, this recipe has the power to create lasting memories and evoke a sense of warmth and togetherness. Whether it’s a special family dinner, a gathering with friends, or simply a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling content. So, gather your loved ones, set the table with love, and savor each bite of this irresistible Baked Beef Spaghetti. It’s time to create cherished moments and relish in the joy of good food and great company. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for spaghetti, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Certainly! If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like plant-based crumbles. The choice is yours, and it will still turn out delicious!
Can I freeze the Baked Beef Spaghetti?
Yes, you can freeze the dish before baking. Simply assemble it in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried basil if needed. However, the taste may be slightly different, so fresh basil is highly recommended for the best results.
Baked Beef Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 box 454g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 pound 450g ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can 28 oz./794g San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup 120g chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup 113g shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup 25g grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions for about 5 minutes, or until they turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned, approximately 8 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand. Pour both the tomatoes and their juices into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Add the chopped fresh basil to the sauce and toss it together with the cooked spaghetti. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- If the mixture won't all fit in the skillet, transfer it to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to turn golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of freshness. Serve the Baked Beef Spaghetti piping hot and savor the comforting flavors.
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