Description
Spaghetti Bake brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with layers of cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce. Hearty pasta nestled between melted mozzarella creates a satisfying meal sure to delight dinner companions and leave plates completely clean.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 package dry spaghetti noodles
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
Sauce and Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves fresh garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- Additional parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the meat, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and enhance flavor profile.
- Pour marinara and tomato sauce into the meat mixture, simmering for 5-7 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs with heavy cream, creating a smooth binding mixture for the pasta layers.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated.
- Layer half the sauced pasta in the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and half the parmesan cheese.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the first layer, allowing it to seep between pasta strands.
- Add remaining pasta, top with remaining cheeses, and scatter fresh basil leaves across the surface.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 10 minutes to set, then garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
- Slice and serve hot, enjoying the harmonious blend of pasta, meat, and creamy cheese.
Notes
- Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains delicious flavor profiles.
- Create a gluten-free option by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing the meat sauce and pasta a day ahead, then assembling and baking just before serving to save time during busy weeknights.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers directly into the meat sauce for added texture and health benefits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg