This heartwarming, uncomplicated, and delightful dish is a surefire way to create a memorable meal any day of the week.
Whenever I’m at a loss for what to cook for dinner, my go-to staple is spaghetti. I know there won’t be any battles trying to convince my kiddos to eat it, and it’s a meal that both my husband and I like as well. Since we’re all pasta lovers, we eat spaghetti a lot—like at least once a week. And sometimes it gets a bit boring having the same meal over and over. Enter this recipe.
It turns plain, uninspired spaghetti into a dreamy casserole-style dish that’s hearty, cozy, and oh-so-cheesy. Think spaghetti Bolognese, but with a twist: it’s baked! Underneath the melted cheese, the top layer of pasta gets deliciously crispy and golden brown. The sauce is extra meaty and flavor-packed, thanks to the addition of sausage. If you’re thinking this sounds like the ultimate version of comfort food, you’re exactly right.
It doesn’t take much longer to make than regular spaghetti—just a quick 10 to 12 minutes in the oven to melt the cheese. And you can even use your favorite jarred marinara sauce to save time. I’ve also substituted the spaghetti with penne before, and it was just as tasty. If you’re looking for an easy way to improve pasta night, definitely give this recipe a go!
A few flavorful variations to try
If you like dishes that are a bit more spicy, substitute the sausage with a fiery chorizo, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce. Or, if you’d prefer a seafood twist, use a combination of shrimp and calamari in place of the sausage. For a vegetarian-friendly option, simply replace the sausage with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and red peppers, or use a plant-based ground sausage. Finally, for a richer dish, you could layer in a creamy béchamel sauce or ricotta cheese between the spaghetti and mozzarella (a bit like a lasagna or “million dollar spaghetti”).
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When it comes time to eat your leftovers, you can either microwave them or reheat them in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes (cover with foil for the first 15-20 minutes, and then finish baking uncovered).
Serving Suggestions
I like to pair baked spaghetti with a traditional Caprese Salad and some toasted bread smothered with Garlic Butter for an extra touch of indulgence. Sometimes, I’ll add a simple veggie side like Roasted Asparagus. For that finishing touch, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan, and dine on a restaurant-style Italian feast without setting foot out the door!
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound minced sausage
- 32 ounces marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup mozzarella grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage meat and cook until browned.
- Stir the marinara sauce into the browned sausage meat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn down the heat and simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes.
- Boil a pot of water. Add the spaghetti. Cook only until al dente, as indicated on the package, and drain.
- Add the spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the spaghetti to a baking dish and top with the grated mozzarella. Place it in the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Top with chopped basil and serve.
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