Baked Spaghetti

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

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1. Heat the oven to 190°C / 375°F and grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish.

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2. Boil the spaghetti in well-salted water for 2 minutes less than the packet says, about 7 minutes, then drain.

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3. Brown the beef in a large deep pan over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

4. Add the onion and pepper and cook for 6 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic and the salt.

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5. Pour in the pasta sauce, tomato paste and Italian seasoning and simmer for 10 minutes.

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6. Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, milk and garlic powder together until smooth.

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7. Toss the spaghetti with two-thirds of the meat sauce and spread half of it in the dish.

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8. Dot the cream cheese mixture over the top and spread it lightly, then add the rest of the spaghetti and the remaining sauce.

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9. Scatter over the mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling at the edges.

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10. Finish under a hot grill for 2 minutes to brown the top, then let it stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

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Tips for Making Baked Spaghetti

• Undercook the spaghetti. It has another 25 minutes in the oven and will soften as it drinks the sauce, so pasta cooked to the packet time turns soft.
• Keep the sauce slightly wetter than you would want on a plate of spaghetti. Baked pasta is always drier when it comes out than when it went in.
• Stand the dish for 10 minutes before cutting. The cheese firms up a little and the squares keep their shape on the plate.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.

What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread
• Roasted asparagus

Storing & Reheating Baked Spaghetti

Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave, or covered in a 180°C oven for 20 minutes. It freezes well, baked or unbaked, for up to 3 months.

Baked Spaghetti FAQ: Common Questions

Baked Spaghetti Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.