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Big Batch Baked Spaghetti

Spaghetti and meat sauce baked between layers of gooey mozzarella cheese.
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: baked spaghetti, dinner, dinner party, pasta, spaghetti
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey (or another ground meat of your choice)
  • 1 24-oz jar of marinara pasta sauce
  • 1 16-oz pack of spaghetti
  • 1 bag of whole-milk shredded mozzarella
  • 1 bag of Italian four-cheese blend
  • 1 ball of fresh mozzarella
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  • Add 1 lb ground turkey (or another ground meat of your choice) to a large heavy-bottomed pan and season it with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp oregano, and 1 tsp kosher salt.
  • Cook the meat for 8 to 10 minutes until it is browned.
  • Once the meat has browned, add 1 24-oz jar of marinara pasta sauce to the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cover it and cook for at least 45 minutes to an hour. The longer the meat simmers in the sauce, the tastier it will be.
  • Meanwhile, boil 1 16-oz pack of spaghetti according to package directions while the meat is simmering.
  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  • When the meat sauce and pasta are ready, add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce and combine. Then, add half of the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture to the bottom of a casserole dish.
  • Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1 cup of shredded Italian four-cheese blend on top of pasta. Tear pieces of fresh mozzarella and place on top.
  • Layer the other half of the spaghetti on top and repeat the above steps, starting with the shredded cheese and then topping it off with fresh mozzarella.
  • Transfer the casserole dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Bake at no more than 350 degrees so you can keep it in there for at least 30 minutes without the cheese burning.
  • Once the cheese has melted evenly, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with a spatula in lasagna-like pieces and enjoy.