Baked Spaghetti Recipe: Easy & Delicious Homemade Dish

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food—baked spaghetti! This dish combines all the flavors of classic Bolognese with a gooey layer of cheese, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit! 🍝✨

Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Spaghetti

When it comes to making a delicious baked spaghetti, having the right ingredients is key! Thankfully, you won’t need any rare items or complicated tools. Just gather these simple staples, and you’re all set to create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spaghetti: About 500g or 1 pound to form the base of your dish.
• Ground Beef: 750g or 1.5 lbs for the meaty Bolognese sauce.
• Olive Oil: Just 2 tablespoons to sauté your veggies.
• Garlic & Onion: Three minced garlic cloves and one finely chopped onion for flavor.
• Optional Veggies: Add a diced carrot and a stick of celery if you want to boost the nutrition!
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 1.2 kg or 2.4 lbs to build that rich tomato base!
• Tomato Paste: About 1/4 cup to intensify the sauce.
• Red Wine: A 3/4 cup for depth in the flavor (feel free to substitute with beef broth).
• Spices: Don’t forget the salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried bay leaves.
• Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella plus 8-10 slices of Swiss cheese for melty goodness in the middle!

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making a Baked Spaghetti that’ll impress everyone around your dinner table! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Bolognese Sauce Preparation

Making a Bolognese sauce is simpler than you might think! With just a few steps, you’ll have a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for our baked spaghetti. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, pour in about 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Turn the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, it’s time to add your aromatics!

1. Add Aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

1. Mix in Veggies: If you’re using the optional carrot and celery, now is the time to add them! Cook for another 3 minutes. This adds extra flavor to your sauce.

1. Brown the Beef: Crank up the heat to high and add in 750g of ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned all over. No one likes pink beef, right?

1. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in 3/4 cup of red wine (or broth). Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to let the alcohol cook off.

1. Add Tomato Goodness: Now, mix in 1.2 kg of crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Throw in 2-3 dried bay leaves too!

1. Simmer: Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for at least 45 minutes, or longer if you want the flavors to deepen. Stir occasionally!

And there you go! Your Bolognese sauce is ready to mix with spaghetti and build that glorious baked dish! Can you smell it already? 🍝

Assembling Your Baked Spaghetti Layers

Now comes the fun part—assembling your baked spaghetti! This is where all your hard work pays off and your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. Let’s get started with a step-by-step guide to layering this delicious dish!

1. Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). We need it nice and hot for that perfect bake!

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Follow the instructions on your spaghetti package. Cook it just a minute less than recommended, so it stays firm. Trust me, it’ll continue cooking in the oven!

1. Combine with Sauce: Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Pour in a little more than half of your Bolognese sauce and toss it all together. This gives your pasta a flavor boost!

1. Layer It Up: Grab a casserole dish and start layering! First, spread half of your saucy spaghetti at the bottom. Then, add half of the remaining Bolognese sauce on top.

1. Add Cheese: Here’s the cheesy part! Lay down 8-10 slices of Swiss cheese. I usually go for less cheese in slices for even coverage, but feel free to use shredded if you prefer!

1. Finish the Layers: On top of the cheese, add the rest of your spaghetti, followed by the last of the Bolognese sauce. Top it all off with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Yes, the more cheese, the better!

1. Bake It: Cover your dish loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until everything is bubbling and golden!

Now you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate baked spaghetti! Isn’t it exciting to see it all come together? 🍽️

Tips for Freezing and Reheating Baked Spaghetti

If you’re anything like me, you love a good freezer meal! Baked spaghetti is not just delicious; it’s also a fantastic dish to make ahead and stash away. Here are some tips to help you freeze and reheat your scrumptious creation like a pro!

Freezing Tips:

• Cool Before Freezing: After baking, let your spaghetti cool completely. This helps to prevent ice crystals from forming which can affect the texture.
• Wrap It Up: Use aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers to wrap your baked spaghetti tightly. This keeps it fresh and prevents freezer burn!
• Label It: Don’t forget to label with the date! It’s easy to lose track of what’s in there, and nobody wants mystery meals.

Reheating Tips:

1. Thawing: For the best results, defrost your frozen spaghetti in the refrigerator for about 24 hours before reheating. This helps keep the flavors intact!
2. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place your thawed spaghetti in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
3. Baking from Frozen: If you’re in a hurry, you can bake directly from frozen! Just cover it with foil and bake for about 50 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to get that lovely, bubbly top!

So, there you have it! With these tips, your baked spaghetti will taste just as amazing when you take it out of the freezer. Now, go ahead and stock up those meals for busy days ahead! 🍝✨

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Now that your baked spaghetti is hot and bubbly, it’s time to think about how to serve it! The right sides and drinks can take your meal from good to great! Here are some fun suggestions to make your dinner even more enjoyable.

Sides:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a warm, buttery garlic bread on the side! It’s perfect for scooping up that cheesy goodness!
• Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the spaghetti. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette!
• Vegetable Medley: A mix of roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers, is a colorful and healthy addition!

Drinks:

• Red Wine: A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with baked spaghetti. Try a Chianti or a Merlot for a classic combo!
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is refreshing and fun!
• Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea can be a delightful accompaniment to your meal!

Fun Extras:

• Cheese Topping: If you’re like me, you can never have too much cheese! Bring some extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan to the table for guests to sprinkle on top.
• Crushed Red Pepper: For those who like a little kick, offer crushed red pepper flakes on the side. It’ll spice things up!

So, gather your favorite sides and drinks, and serve your baked spaghetti with a smile! It’s all about making your mealtime special and enjoyable! 🍽️✨