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Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining al dente spaghetti with a rich beef and creamy parmesan sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner and delivers a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles (uncooked)

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 teaspoons garlic, minced

Seasonings & Dairy

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1½ cup cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Cook Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Then, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, meaning they are tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Beef and Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Prepare Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Season the mixture with black pepper and Italian seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and stir occasionally until the sauce begins to bubble gently. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring slowly to allow it to melt and incorporate fully into the creamy sauce.
  4. Add Sauce and Combine with Pasta: Pour in the pasta sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to ensure the noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
  5. Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the spaghetti mixture in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • For best results, use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the pasta to another dish before baking.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Fresh garlic can be used instead of minced garlic; adjust according to taste.
  • Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American