Joy'S Baked Italian Spaghetti
A hearty Italian-style baked spaghetti dish with rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, melted cheese, and savory beef, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp salad oil
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried basil ⓘ
- dash garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 c Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 1/2 lb spaghetti, broken into 2-inch lengths ⓘ
- 1 c grated American Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the minced onion and ground beef in salad oil in a Dutch oven until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried marjoram, dried basil, garlic salt, sugar, salt, pepper, and Burgundy wine. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for one hour.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as directed on the package and drain.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce with 1/2 cup of grated American Cheddar cheese and mix well.
- Turn the mixture into a 3-quart casserole and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Bake, covered, at 325°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Total baking time is one hour and 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs if you have them on hand, substituting them for dried ones. If you prefer a kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also replace American Cheddar with mozzarella for a creamier texture, or experiment with a blend of cheeses. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of the homemade mix.
Serving Suggestions
This baked Italian spaghetti is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a glass of Burgundy wine to complement the flavors. For an Italian-inspired meal, browse more Italian recipes to round out your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions but be careful not to overheat, which can dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joy'S Baked Italian Spaghetti contains roughly 370 calories, with 14g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1418mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and assemble it in the casserole dish. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile.
Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If you've already baked it, slice it into portions and freeze in airtight containers for easy meals later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).