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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort with a twist: Everything you love about spaghetti and meat sauce, baked with gooey cheese on top.
- Easy to make ahead: Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or freezing for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Family-approved: A hearty, kid-friendly meal that tastes even better the next day.
🍅 Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce (or homemade sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Pasta Layer:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for sprinkling
🔪 Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. - Cook the pasta:
Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and toss with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. - Make the meat sauce:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes. - Prepare the cheese mixture:
In a small bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), beaten egg, and Parmesan. Mix well. - Assemble the casserole:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer half of the spaghetti, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top.
- Add half of the remaining sauce, then repeat with the rest of the pasta and sauce.
- Top generously with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this baked spaghetti with:
- A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
- Warm garlic bread or breadsticks
- A glass of red wine for a cozy dinner
🧀 Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Customize it: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
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