I’m a busy mom working two jobs and raising two young children. From the time that I open my eyes at 6 AM until the time I finally pass out at night, I’m constantly running and on-the-go. I’m sure that many moms can relate.
Like most children, my kids love spaghetti and I make it for them about twice a month. I like to cook up my pasta the night before and refrigerate it for the next day. When I get home from work, I toss my ingredients together, place it into the oven and within 15 to 20 minutes a hot dinner is on the table. Here is how I make it and you can use whatever pasta you have on hand.
Baked Spaghetti Recipe
1 pkg, pasta, cooked and drained
1 jar spaghetti sauce
3/4 lb. to 1 lb. lean ground beef, cooked
1 pkg. ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
The night before (usually a Sunday night), I cook up my pasta and lean ground beef. I refrigerate them in separate bowls.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
When I get home from work I place the cooked pasta into the bottom of a baking dish. Mix the cooked ground beef into the spaghetti sauce. Spoon 1/2 of this sauce mixture on top of the pasta in a flat layer. Then spoon the ricotta cheese on top, using a spoon to evenly spread it. Pour the rest of the meat & sauce on top, using the spoon to evenly spread it. Combine together the mozzarella cheese & parmesan cheese and then sprinkle the cheeses on top.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until done. It will be hot and the cheese will be melted & bubbly. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
My family likes this served with toasted/baked garlic bread, so you can throw that into the oven while the spaghetti is baking too. They will both be done at the same time!
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This is a wonderful recipe and easy to make on a busy day.
There is something almost magical about taking a pasta dish and baking it. I put bread crumbs and olive oil on the top of mine.
Your recipe sure is fast and sounds delicious. It looks yummy too. I have never had spaghetti baked before. Well I guess Lasagna is a Baked Pasta~ lol~ Thank you for this awesome recipe…
I have made this before, and it really comes out great. I have also found this is a workable make ahead freezer meal. This is one of those dishes it is a good or better the second time around and makes a terrific lunch!
What a quick and easy recipe for something that looks so good. Spaghetti is one of my family’s favorites and it would really help to have the pasta and ground beef prepared ahead especially on days that run late.
This is one of my all time favorites! I make this a couple of times a month and also take it to office potlucks. Baked Spaghetti is also a good dish to freeze ahead.
That is a really clever idea. I need to give this recipe a try. Thanks!
I have never heard of baked spaghetti before and now I must try it. I too am always running around and sometimes just need a nice easy recipe for dinner thank you for sharing this one I can’t wait to try it.
that is a great idea. On Sunday I do most of the cooking for the week. It makes it easier on me. My husband grills about half our meats so that helps me too.
That’s a great way to make spaghetti. I like all the cheeses in it.