Description
A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying Italian-American casserole with tender spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, ricotta layer, and golden topping. Perfect comfort food for the whole family.
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, half of the meat sauce, then the ricotta mixture. Add the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American