Baked Spaghetti Recipe
This baked spaghetti dish combines savory ground beef or sausage, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella for a comforting casserole-style meal. Perfect for dinner parties or meal prep, it can be refrigerated or frozen for future use.
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Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion diced
- ¾ lb. spaghetti
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 32 oz. marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 8 oz. ricotta cheese 1 cup
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 pound ground beef or substitute with sausage or ground turkey
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a large pot of boiling water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While the water heats, proceed with the steps below.
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced onion, bell pepper, and seasonings. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Lower the heat and mix in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Let the mixture warm through.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture using kitchen tongs, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Note that the dish will appear saucy, but the pasta will absorb more as it bakes.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the mozzarella.
- For immediate serving, bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
Make-Ahead Options:
- Refrigerate: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F, bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Freeze: Cover the dish with two layers of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes covered, then 10 minutes uncovered. Alternatively, bake directly from frozen, adding 1 hour of covered baking time