If you have been searching for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles, you’ve found it here. The Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a delicious combination of tender spaghetti, rich Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella cheese that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and makes for unforgettable family dinners or casual gatherings. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, familiar ingredients that work in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor, creamy textures, and vibrant color. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the rich Italian sausage adding depth or the mozzarella cheese bringing that irresistibly gooey finish.
- 16-oz thin spaghetti: Cooked just right, it forms the hearty base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1-lb Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a perfect, savory kick and juicy texture.
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: The tomatoey goodness that ties everything together.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind the pasta mixture so it holds its shape after baking.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan: Infuses a sharp, nutty flavor for depth.
- 5 Tbsp butter (melted): Richness and moisture to keep the pasta tender.
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta: Creamy and mild, it smooths out the dish wonderfully.
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal note.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Brings a slight tang and extra creaminess to the ricotta layer.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The crowning glory that melts into a bubbly, golden crust.
How to Make The Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. This simple step ensures your baked spaghetti won’t stick to the pan, making serving much easier and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy while preserving that rich, meaty flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it thoroughly because you want your pasta moist but not soggy when combined with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Mix Eggs, Parmesan, and Butter with Pasta
Whisk together the eggs, parmesan, and melted butter in a bowl. Toss this mixture with the cooked spaghetti—it adds moisture and a delicious cheesy coating that helps bind your baked spaghetti nice and firm after baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, dried parsley, and sour cream. This creamy blend adds a luscious texture and a gentle tang that balances the savory meat sauce perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Sausage
Mix the spaghetti sauce with the cooked sausage in a bowl. This savory meat sauce layer is where the magic really happens – it infuses every bite with comforting Italian flavors.
Step 7: Layer Your Baked Spaghetti
In your prepared baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom, followed by half the ricotta cheese mixture, then half the meat sauce, and finally half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers for a beautiful, balanced casserole that will impress both in looks and taste.
Step 8: Bake and Enjoy
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and golden. This final step gives you that classic cheesy crust while keeping the layers underneath creamy and succulent.
How to Serve The Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a refreshing herbal brightness that complements the dish’s richness beautifully. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese is also a wonderful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, which helps cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are ideal companions, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, assemble the baked spaghetti in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes before baking. It makes serving easy and gives a personal touch to each portion, sure to impress your guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover baked spaghetti tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner next day.
Freezing
Fully cool the dish, then wrap it tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen baked spaghetti keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed baked spaghetti in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but heating gently preserves the creamy texture and prevents dryness.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works just fine and will still give a delicious meaty flavor, though Italian sausage adds a unique blend of spices that elevates this recipe.
Is it necessary to use eggs in the pasta mixture?
Yes, eggs help bind the baked spaghetti layers together, making sure it holds its shape when sliced and served. Skipping the eggs may result in a looser, less structured casserole.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions to avoid mushiness.
How spicy is this baked spaghetti?
The spice level depends on your sausage choice; mild Italian sausage will keep it gentle, while hot sausage adds a nice kick. You can also add chili flakes if you love a bit more heat.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be excellent additions layered in with the cheese or mixed with the meat sauce to boost nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this easy-to-follow, flavorful guide, there’s no reason not to dig into The Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe tonight. It’s the perfect blend of hearty, creamy, and cheesy that’s sure to win over your family and friends with every bite. Once you try it, this recipe will take a well-deserved permanent spot in your meal rotation—trust me, you won’t want to miss out!
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The Best Baked Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Best Baked Spaghetti recipe is a comforting and hearty Italian-American classic featuring layers of tender spaghetti, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta mixture, rich spaghetti sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this baked pasta dish combines simple ingredients into a delicious casserole baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz thin spaghetti
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Cheese Mixtures
- 2 eggs
- â…“ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 Tbsp dried parsley
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink and fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Mix pasta with eggs and cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Toss this mixture with the cooked and drained spaghetti, coating the pasta evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, dried parsley, and sour cream. Mix well and set aside.
- Combine meat and sauce: Combine the cooked sausage with the jar of spaghetti sauce, mixing thoroughly. Set this meat sauce mixture aside.
- Assemble layers: In the prepared baking pan, layer half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Then spoon half of the meat sauce mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the baked spaghetti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for Italian sausage if preferred.
- Use fresh parsley instead of dried for a brighter herby flavor.
- For extra creaminess, add a little more sour cream to the ricotta mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
