Description
Spaghetti casserole is a cozy, layered pasta dish bursting with hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it’s a comforting classic everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, half of the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Add More Flavor: Enhance the sauce with a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added depth and heat.
- Cheese Swap: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins