Description
Baked Spaghetti is a comforting Italian-American casserole combining cooked spaghetti with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh herbs. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and serves six generously.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meat. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned throughout. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat, then add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let it simmer briefly to meld flavors.
- Mix spaghetti with cheeses. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained spaghetti with the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole layers. Spread half of the spaghetti and cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Add cheese topping. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer for a cheesy crust.
- Bake covered. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Broil for a golden finish. Remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and garnish. Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes to set, then garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful dish, or ground beef for a milder taste.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
- For a creamier texture, add a beaten egg to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or frozen spaghetti noodles.
