Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
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A comforting twist on a classic—cheesy, saucy, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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This baked spaghetti is everything you love about traditional pasta night, but with a golden, bubbly finish that takes it to the next level. Tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and optional layers of melty cheese come together in one easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
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🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 1 lb | Cooked al dente |
| Ground beef | 1 lb | |
| Onion, diced | 1 small | |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 | |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1 | |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) | |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | |
| Dried basil | ½ tsp | |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | |
| Salt | ½ tsp | |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup (optional) | For topping |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup (optional) | Adds savory depth |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 works well).
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
4. Sauté the Veggies
Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce until evenly coated.
7. Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, if using.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with golden edges.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Let cool slightly, then serve warm straight from the dish. Perfect with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
