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Baked Spaghetti Casserole: A Cheesy, Comforting Italian Delight


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6

Description

This baked spaghetti casserole layers tender pasta with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s a crowd-pleasing classic!


Ingredients

– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

### Tip:
Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.
### Cooking Tip:
Mixing the egg into the ricotta helps bind the layers together, making for easier slicing.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 35