- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the baked spaghetti will cook evenly, and the cheese will melt beautifully, creating a golden, bubbling top.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, usually for 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite but not hard). Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to prevent it from sticking together. If you’re concerned about the pasta sticking, you can toss it with a small amount of olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 7–10 minutes. Afterward, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Next, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the vegetables for about 5–7 minutes, or until they become softened and aromatic. The peppers should be tender but still maintain their vibrant color, and the garlic should release a fragrant aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- To make the sauce, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, followed by the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly, making sure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the sauce will thicken slightly, becoming rich and flavorful. You should see small bubbles forming at the surface, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon when stirred.
- Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat each strand of pasta with the sauce. The spaghetti should be well-mixed, with the sauce evenly distributed so that every bite has the perfect balance of pasta and meaty, saucy goodness.
- Transfer the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring that the pasta and sauce are well distributed. If you’re using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the dish, followed by the grated Parmesan. The cheeses will melt as the dish bakes, creating a golden, bubbly crust on top. If you prefer a crispier top, you can add a bit more mozzarella, but be sure not to overload it.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden. If you want an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it while broiling to prevent burning. Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to serve in neat portions.
- Serve your baked spaghetti warm directly from the tray. The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese will be irresistible. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Enjoy!
- Why this recipe is a hit:
See more on the next page
Advertisement
