Welcome to the ultimate guide for a perfectly portioned, incredibly satisfying meal: Baked Spaghetti for Two. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles, rich ground beef, a luscious combination of marinara and Alfredo sauces, all crowned with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This isn’t just another spaghetti recipe; it’s a carefully crafted comfort food experience designed to be easy, delicious, and perfectly sized, eliminating the common dilemma of over-preparing and wasting food.
Effortless Comfort: A Quick Pasta Dinner in Under an Hour
Do you ever find yourself making spaghetti, only to realize you’ve prepared enough to feed an entire gathering? It’s a common culinary conundrum! Traditional spaghetti recipes often yield massive quantities, leaving you with an overwhelming amount of leftovers. Our Baked Spaghetti for Two recipe solves this problem by offering a delightful and hearty meal ideal for two people, with just enough for a light lunch the next day, or it can be stretched for two very generous servings, or even four smaller portions if paired with a salad and garlic bread. This dish is the epitome of comfort food – simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your weeknight rotation.
“This is one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had! I did add a few chili flakes.”
– Bonnie
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Spaghetti for Two
Do I have to use ground beef?
Absolutely not! This recipe is incredibly versatile and easily customizable to suit your preferences. While ground beef provides a classic flavor, you can readily swap it out for other proteins. Consider Italian sausage for an added depth of flavor, ground turkey, or ground chicken for a leaner option. For a delicious meatless version, simply omit the ground meat and load up on extra vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
Do I have to use spaghetti?
Just like the ground beef, the pasta choice is flexible. While spaghetti is traditional for this dish, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes. Rigatoni, penne, ziti, or linguine would all work wonderfully, offering a different texture and mouthfeel. Choose your favorite, or whatever you have on hand!
What else can I add to this pasta bake?
To elevate this dish even further, consider these delicious additions:
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in about ½ cup of ricotta cheese to the noodle mixture for an even cheesier, creamier texture.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content and flavor by adding diced vegetables. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be incorporated into the meat sauce for added freshness and color.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes (as Bonnie suggested!) can add a delightful kick.
What other cheese toppings can I try?
While mozzarella provides that classic gooey stretch, a blend of cheeses can take your baked spaghetti to the next level. A fantastic combination would be provolone and mozzarella, offering a slightly sharper flavor. You could also mix in a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or Asiago for an extra savory note.
How do I measure the correct amount of spaghetti for two?
Measuring pasta, especially spaghetti, can be tricky. It’s incredibly easy to overmeasure! For this recipe, you’ll need approximately 6 ounces of spaghetti, which is a little less than half of a standard 1-pound box. A helpful trick is to use a kitchen scale if you have one, or grab a small bunch of spaghetti that fits roughly the diameter of a quarter. Don’t worry if you accidentally go a little over; this recipe is generous with sauce, so you’ll likely still have enough to coat your pasta. If you find your dish looking a bit dry after mixing, you can always add a splash more marinara or Alfredo sauce from your leftover jars.
What do I do with the leftover marinara and Alfredo sauce?
It’s smart to buy larger jars of sauce for flexibility! Any leftover marinara or Alfredo sauce can be refrigerated and used for various purposes. They are excellent for serving alongside the baked spaghetti, allowing guests to add more to their individual plates. They’re also perfect for dipping Garlic Bread, making simple pasta dishes throughout the week, or freezing for future recipes. Don’t let those delicious sauces go to waste!
What’s the best way to store Baked Spaghetti leftovers?
This baked spaghetti tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings for convenience. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Spaghetti
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable dish. This recipe relies on a few key components, many of which are pantry staples, making it incredibly accessible for any home cook. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti: Approximately 6 ounces. As discussed in our FAQ, accurate measurement is key here, but don’t fret if you’re slightly off.
- Ground Beef: ½ pound. For a different twist, consider using Italian sausage (mild or spicy), ground turkey, or ground chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, divided. This blend of herbs is crucial for building a rich, authentic Italian-American flavor profile.
- Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon. A fantastic way to add concentrated garlic flavor without mincing fresh cloves.
- Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon. Complements the garlic powder to create a savory base for the meat sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup. The shelf-stable variety in the green bottle works perfectly for convenience, but freshly grated Parmesan will offer a more robust flavor.
- Jarred Marinara Sauce: 1 ½ cups. A good quality marinara sauce is essential. Brands like Rao’s are excellent, but feel free to use your favorite. You can even try making your own Homemade Marinara Sauce if you have extra time.
- Jarred Alfredo Sauce: 1 cup. A creamy Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious layer of flavor and texture. Again, choose a quality jarred sauce or challenge yourself to make Homemade Alfredo Sauce. The combination of both red and white sauces is what makes this dish truly special.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups. This will provide that iconic gooey, stretchy topping that makes baked pasta so appealing.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Spaghetti for Two
Creating this delicious Baked Spaghetti is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when your layers are assembled. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 6 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. Drain the cooked spaghetti thoroughly. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so keep a close eye on it!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While your spaghetti is cooking, place the ½ pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent your dish from being oily.
Step 4: Season the Meat Sauce Base
To the cooked ground beef in the skillet, add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these ingredients well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated with the fragrant spices. This step infuses the meat with a fantastic savory depth.
Step 5: Incorporate the Marinara Sauce
Pour 1 ½ cups of jarred marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned ground beef. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking the sauce. This savory meat and marinara blend will be the heart of your baked spaghetti.
Step 6: Prepare the Alfredo Spaghetti
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained spaghetti with 1 cup of jarred Alfredo sauce and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the spaghetti strands are beautifully coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce. This creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures in the final dish.
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Transfer the Alfredo-coated spaghetti mixture to the prepared 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer. Next, carefully spoon the rich meat and marinara sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it’s spread in a smooth, uniform layer.
Step 8: Top with Mozzarella
Generously sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat sauce. This layer will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, sealing in all the delicious flavors.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with nonstick foil. If you’re using regular foil, spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges. The bubbling indicates that the sauces are heated through and mingling beautifully.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set, making it much easier to scoop and serve neatly. Then, dish out your portions and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious Baked Spaghetti for Two!
Craving More Recipes for Two?
If you loved the convenience and deliciousness of our Baked Spaghetti for Two, you’re in for a treat! We specialize in creating perfectly portioned, incredibly flavorful recipes designed for smaller households. Explore more of our favorite dishes tailored for two, ensuring you can enjoy comforting, homemade meals without the excess leftovers or complicated meal planning:
- Polish Casserole For Two
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meal (For Two)
- Baked Ziti For Two
- Chicken Noodle Casserole For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes For Two
- Lasagna For Two
- Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff For Two
- Stuffed Peppers For Two
- Chicken and Dumplings For Two
- Crock Pot Potato Soup For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Gravy For Two
- White Chicken Enchiladas For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo For Two
- Crock Pot Pork Chops & Gravy For Two
- Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy For Two
Baked Spaghetti For Two
Baked Spaghetti for Two is a delightful and comforting dish, perfectly sized for a cozy meal. It features tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, a rich blend of marinara and Alfredo sauces, and generous layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked together to golden perfection.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 2 servings (can be stretched to 4 smaller servings)
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 6 ounces spaghetti
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (divided use)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups jarred marinara sauce
- 1 cup jarred Alfredo sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook 6 ounces spaghetti per the directions on the back of the package to al dente, and drain well.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, add ½ pound ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and crumble until there is no pink left, 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until combined.
- Add in 1 ½ cups jarred marinara sauce, stir to combine, then take off the heat.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cooked spaghetti, 1 cup jarred Alfredo sauce, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Add the Alfredo-covered spaghetti to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Smooth out the meat sauce on top of the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover with nonstick foil, or spray a piece of foil with nonstick cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and it is bubbly along the edges.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes to set up and serve.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- This can serve 2-4 servings depending on your serving size.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition (Estimated per serving, based on 2 servings)
Calories: 1180 kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 67g | Sodium: 2532mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g
Nutritional Disclaimer: This nutritional information is an estimate. It is not provided by a certified dietician or nutritionist. Actual values may vary significantly based on specific brands and ingredients used. If precise nutritional values are crucial for your dietary needs, we recommend calculating them independently using your chosen ingredients.