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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole
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Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining al dente spaghetti, rich marinara sauce, savory ground meat, and a blend of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp parmesan cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy, one-dish meal is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and customizable to suit dietary preferences including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz spaghetti pasta, cooked al dente

Sauce and Meat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or substitute ground turkey or plant-based alternative)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Meat and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
  3. Mix in Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce: In a large bowl, gently mix cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and dollops of ricotta cheese until evenly combined.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and spread half of the spaghetti mixture into it. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the layer. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then finish with a final layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the meat to keep it from becoming greasy.
  • Use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for the best creamy, gooey, and flavorful cheese blend.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy weeknight meal, Italian, cheesy casserole, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/