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Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole – A Comforting Family Favorite
Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the answer. Combining classic spaghetti flavors with a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly topping, this dish brings together the best of pasta and baked comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), egg, garlic powder, salt, and dried basil.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish.
- Add half of the meat sauce on top.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Layer the remaining spaghetti and cover with the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with dried parsley and serve warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s great for meal prep and reheats beautifully. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or special occasion, this baked spaghetti is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite! 🍝🧀✨
