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Would You Eat This Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce? A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy
If there’s one dish that combines the soul-soothing appeal of pasta with the hearty satisfaction of a meat sauce, it’s baked spaghetti. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles layered with a rich, savory meat sauce and gooey melted cheese—then baked until golden and bubbling. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to make a baked spaghetti with meat sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Before starting, gather these ingredients for a rich, flavorful baked spaghetti:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Pasta and Assembly:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creamy layers)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
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