Description
Homemade Baked Spaghetti Casserole delivers comfort and warmth with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Hearty Italian-inspired flavors invite families to gather around the table and savor each cheesy, saucy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
- 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Binding and Topping:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Cook pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, then lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic and cook for a brief moment.
- Brown ground beef thoroughly, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
- Introduce marinara sauce to the meat, enhancing with seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop depth for approximately 10 minutes.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by combining ricotta, beaten egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Establish a protective base layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Construct the casserole by alternating layers: first pasta, then cheese mixture, followed by meat sauce and mozzarella. Repeat this layering process for maximum flavor distribution.
- Generously crown the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy topping.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns beautifully golden and the edges bubble enticingly.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and intensifies the flavors.
Notes
- Choose whole wheat spaghetti for a fiber-rich, healthier alternative that adds nutty flavor and extra nutrition to the classic recipe.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner, lower-fat version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance the dish’s depth by adding a splash of red wine while cooking the meat sauce, which brings a rich, complex flavor and makes the casserole taste more gourmet.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg