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Baked Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato Sauce

This Baked Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato Sauce is SO EASY! A comforting cheesy pasta bake with rich creamy tomato sauce and melty cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces spaghetti cooked al dente
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing onions and garlic
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually about 8 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

  • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with your spoon, until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce

  • Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

  • Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce turns a lovely pinkish color and is smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss well to coat every strand thoroughly.

Step 7: Assemble the Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 8: Bake

  • Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy warm!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Colander
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater

Notes

  • You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • For a vegetarian twist, replace meat with cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu.
  • Leftover sauce and baked spaghetti store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for 2 months.
  • Do not overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Try adding seasonal vegetables like peas, asparagus, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.