Description:
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, hearty dish that layers flavors of spaghetti, rich marinara sauce, and a variety of cheeses, all baked to melty perfection. This recipe is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a filling and satisfying meal. It’s a simple twist on traditional spaghetti that adds an indulgent, cheesy crust.
Ingredients:
- For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat and Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned.
- Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, then half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, and another layer of mozzarella.
- Top with a final layer of meat sauce and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the baked spaghetti sit for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information Estimate (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 580
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 35g
Additional Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add a layer of sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers between the layers of spaghetti and cheese.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is a robust and delicious meal that combines the beloved elements of baked pasta dishes with the ease of spaghetti, making it an ideal choice for a fulfilling dinner any night of the week.
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