Baked Spaghetti Delights: A Twist on a Classic Pasta Favorite

The breaded chicken gives this baked spaghetti a crispy, cheesy twist

Spaghetti is a widely appreciated spaghetti dish that holds a prominent place as a staple in comfort food cuisine. Although the conventional stovetop variations including red sauce are consistently gratifying, baked spaghetti offers a departure from the norm by incorporating cheese-laden, casserole-style arrangements that are ideal for serving a large number of individuals.

This article aims to examine several fundamental recipes for baked spaghetti, while also providing suggestions for personalising this traditional noodle dish.

Classic Baked Spaghetti

This recipe builds on the traditional flavors of spaghetti with a fun baked twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 24 oz jar tomato-basil pasta sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef, browned
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 16 oz container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook spaghetti per package instructions to al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain fat.
4. In large bowl, mix cooked beef, pasta sauce, and Italian seasoning.
5. Add cooked spaghetti and toss until fully coated.
6. Transfer spaghetti mixture to 9×13 baking dish.
7. Dot heaping tablespoons of ricotta over the top.
8. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley.
11. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

This straightforward beef and cheese-filled baked spaghetti is easy yet satisfying!

 

Mexican Baked Spaghetti

Put a flavorful spin by adding Mexican-inspired ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 8 oz shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Sour cream, guacamole, cilantro for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook spaghetti, drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef with onion and taco seasoning until beef is cooked through.
4. In large bowl, mix beef mixture, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
5. Add cooked spaghetti and toss to combine.
6. Transfer to 9×13 baking dish.
7. Top with shredded cheese.
8. Bake 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
9. Serve with desired toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.

With bold Tex-Mex flavors, this baked spaghetti variation is fiesta-ready!

Chicken Parmesan Baked Spaghetti

For a lighter take, use chicken in place of beef.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dry spaghetti
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 24 oz jar tomato basil sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cook spaghetti al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Pound chicken breasts thin and cut into bite-size pieces.
3. Whisk egg in shallow bowl. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan in second bowl.
4. Dip chicken in egg, then dredge through breadcrumb mixture.
5. Arrange breaded chicken in baking dish. Top with sauce.
6. Bake 10 minutes until cooked through.
7. Add cooked spaghetti and toss with sauce to coat.
8. Top with mozzarella slices and basil.
9. Bake additional 8-10 minutes until cheese melts.
10. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

The breaded chicken gives this baked spaghetti a crispy, cheesy twist.

Vegetarian Baked Ziti

For a meatless meal, load up on veggies and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti, cooked al dente
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 12 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed or sliced
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• Chopped basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In large bowl, mix cooked ziti, vegetables, sauce and mozzarella.
3. Transfer to 9×13 baking dish.
4. Top with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Top with basil just before serving.

The medley of sautéed vegetables gives this meatless pasta bake loads of flavor.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to customize baked spaghetti to your tastes:

• Use ground turkey or vegetarian meat crumbles instead of beef.
• Mix in chopped veggies like zucchini, spinach, broccoli or peppers.
• Top with sprinkles of crushed red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan for a kick.
• Add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese for extra creaminess.
• Stir in cooked Italian sausage chunks or bacon bits.
• Use julienned fresh basil or chiffonade kale instead of parsley.
• Replace traditional red sauce with creamy alfredo or pesto sauce.
• For breakfast, make it sweet with cinnamon and maple syrup.

Bake until the cheese is perfectly melted and browned for your ideal casserole consistency.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Here are some helpful tips for success:

• Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
• Grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Let it rest 5-10 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.
• Scoop out portions rather than slicing to keep pasta intact.
• Serve with garlic bread, salad, or sautéed vegetables.
• Freeze extras – just thaw, reheat, and enjoy later!

Now that you’re inspired to make baked spaghetti, get creative with your own ingredient additions in this family favorite dish! Just remember to bake until piping hot and bubbly.