Description
Creamy, cheesy Baked Spaghetti casserole brings Italian comfort to family dinner tables with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Hearty portions promise satisfying meals that wrap you in warm, delicious memories of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additions:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) salted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F and prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium-high heat and add ground beef with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 7 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, stirring to combine, and simmer for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in cooked spaghetti and ricotta cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the buttered baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top of the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that works perfectly for health-conscious eaters.
- Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can replace basil, offering versatile flavor profiles and allowing personal taste customization.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes sparingly or omit completely for kid-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg