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Baked Spaghetti Recipe

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3.9 from 62 reviews

This classic Baked Spaghetti recipe features tender spaghetti noodles layered with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this comforting dish combines Italian flavors with easy preparation and a satisfying, cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb spaghetti

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces marinara sauce
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

For Garnish

  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time your dish is assembled and ready to bake.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside. To prevent sticking if they sit a while, drizzle a little olive oil and toss gently.
  3. Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any remaining grease.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the cooked meat back into the sauce, mixing well.
  6. Mix Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well blended.
  7. Assemble Layers: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce layer. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the sauce and gently spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
  8. Finish Assembly: Add the remaining spaghetti noodles over the cheese layer, then top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly browned.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Cut into squares and serve warm for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
  • Adding a little olive oil to cooked spaghetti prevents sticking if there’s a wait before assembling.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for beef or sausage for a leaner option.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier slicing.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/baked-spaghetti-recipe/