Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

📜 Introduction:

When pasta night needs an upgrade, this Baked Spaghetti Casserole delivers all the comfort of classic spaghetti with a cheesy, oven-baked twist. Perfectly cooked noodles are layered with hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and topped with golden, bubbly mozzarella. This dish is ideal for feeding a crowd, making ahead, or freezing for busy nights. It’s a family favorite that never fails to impress—simple, satisfying, and soul-warming.

🧾 Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti

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• Salt, for boiling water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for tossing cooked pasta)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

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• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richness)

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon oregano

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• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layers:

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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• 1 large egg

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix the Cheese Filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), Parmesan, and the egg. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly. Layer with half of the meat sauce, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers: the rest of the spaghetti, the remaining meat sauce, then top generously with shredded mozzarella.

5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

6. Rest and Serve:
   Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

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🍽️ Conclusion:

This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food — hearty, cheesy, and filled with love. It’s a budget-friendly, kid-approved dish that works as well for weeknight dinners as it does for potlucks and holidays. Serve it with garlic bread and a green salad for a full Italian-style feast. And the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day!