Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with the richness of a baked casserole. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing in advance, this dish features layers of spaghetti tossed in a savory marinara and ground beef sauce, topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, offering a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. It’s a delicious, family-friendly recipe that brings all the flavors of spaghetti into a baked, satisfying form.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture. Stir in the ricotta or cottage cheese. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy meal that’s perfect for family dinners, offering a hearty, flavorful twist on traditional spaghetti.
