# Baked Spaghetti: A Beloved Casserole for Families
Baked spaghetti is a cherished casserole that adds warmth and comfort to any dining experience. This meal merges spaghetti noodles with a flavorful meat sauce, crowned with melted cheese, and baked to perfection until hot and bubbly. Ideal for family get-togethers or weekday dinners, baked spaghetti is both fulfilling and straightforward to make.
## Reasons to Adore This Family Classic Recipe!
Baked spaghetti is homely, soothing, and downright tasty. It has received excellent feedback, making it a reliable recipe that numerous families appreciate. The simple preparation allows for the inclusion of any vegetables you have handy, making it a flexible option. Additionally, it’s a cost-effective approach to stretch a pound of meat for a larger group, and it stores well in the freezer and reheats easily, making it fantastic for meal prep.
## Components
– **Meat:** Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of the two. For a lower-fat choice, ground turkey or turkey sausage can be substituted.
– **Sauce:** Your preferred brand of pasta sauce or homemade marinara sauce, elevated with diced tomatoes and Italian spices for added taste.
– **Pasta:** Traditional spaghetti noodles can be replaced with any long pasta or whole wheat spaghetti.
– **Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese is ideal for this dish.
## Steps to Prepare Baked Spaghetti
1. **Cook the Meat:** In a skillet, sauté the ground beef and onions. Incorporate any vegetables and tomato sauce, then allow it to simmer.
2. **Mix:** Combine the sauce with the cooked spaghetti and transfer everything to a baking dish.
3. **Sprinkle and Bake:** Add cheese on top and bake until bubbly and golden.
### Success Tips
– Cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
– Feel free to include extra veggies such as sliced mushrooms, shredded zucchini, or carrots in the sauce.
– Modify the sauce quantity to suit your taste.
**Want to Elevate It?** Top with fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
## Preparing in Advance
– Assemble the dish as instructed and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes prior to baking and cook for 35 to 40 minutes until heated throughout.
– Bake uncovered to enable the cheese to create a nice crust; covering it can cause the spaghetti to steam and overcook.
Baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a Caesar salad, making it a wholesome meal.
## More Casseroles with Pasta We Adore
Baked spaghetti is merely one of many delightful pasta casseroles available. Discover other recipes to uncover new family favorites!
### Nutritional Details (per serving)
– **Calories:** 413
– **Carbohydrates:** 53g
– **Protein:** 28g
– **Fat:** 10g
– **Saturated Fat:** 5g
– **Cholesterol:** 55mg
– **Sodium:** 1054mg
– **Potassium:** 864mg
– **Fiber:** 5g
– **Sugar:** 9g
– **Vitamin A:** 945 IU
– **Vitamin C:** 28mg
– **Calcium:** 216mg
– **Iron:** 4mg
This baked spaghetti casserole is a family favorite that is incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to delight everyone at the table!