Sandra This Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a cheesy and hearty recipe, which is made with ground beef and marinara sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 45 minutes.
Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
How To Make Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti
- Prep oven and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the top third. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directs for al dente. Drain and place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef: While the pasta cooks, add the ground beef, chopped onion, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes to a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking the meat apart, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 10 minutes). If there’s excess fat, drain most of it off.
- Make the meat sauce: Stir the minced garlic into the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and stir. Let it cook for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Combine and assemble: Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated, then smooth it into an even layer.
- Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. For a browner, bubblier top, place it under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Rest and serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Recipe Tips
- How do I prevent mushy spaghetti? The key is to undercook the pasta by about 2 minutes before baking. The spaghetti will finish cooking in the oven as it absorbs the sauce, resulting in a perfect texture, not a mushy one.
- How do I get the best cheesy topping? For the gooiest, best-tasting cheese layer, buy blocks of cheese and grate them yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly.
- Can I use different meat? Yes, this recipe is great with other ground meats. Try substituting the ground beef with ground Italian sausage (hot or mild) or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
What To Serve With Baked Spaghetti
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs perfectly with classic Italian-American sides:
- Warm garlic bread or breadsticks
- A simple Caesar salad
- Steamed green beans or a simple side salad with vinaigrette
How To Store Baked Spaghetti
Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze: You can freeze the baked spaghetti. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Baked Spaghetti Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 1100mg
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows the casserole to set. This makes it much easier to cut into clean squares that hold their shape, rather than turning into a soupy pile on the plate.
Yes. To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to the marinara sauce. You could also use a plant-based ground “meat” substitute.
Since the sauce is a major flavor component, use a good-quality jarred marinara sauce that you enjoy the taste of.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe
Paula Deen Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with a rich ground beef and marinara sauce, perfect for a family weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti for 2 minutes less than package directions; drain and place in a 9×13 dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and oregano. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, cook for 1 minute, then add the marinara sauce and seasonings.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and toss to combine.
- Top evenly with all three cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Undercooking the pasta initially is crucial to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- For the best results and meltiest cheese, grate your own cheese from blocks.
- This casserole can be fully assembled up to a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set for cleaner slices.
