Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort with a twist: Everything you love about spaghetti and meat sauce, baked with gooey cheese on top.
• Easy to make ahead: Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or freezing for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Family-approved: A hearty, kid-friendly meal that tastes even better the next day.

🍅 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce (or homemade sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Pasta Layer:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the pasta:
   Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and toss with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Make the meat sauce:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the cheese mixture:
   In a small bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), beaten egg, and Parmesan. Mix well.
5. Assemble the casserole:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Layer half of the spaghetti, then spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top.
   • Add half of the remaining sauce, then repeat with the rest of the pasta and sauce.
   • Top generously with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
6. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve:
   Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked spaghetti with:

• A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
• Warm garlic bread or breadsticks
• A glass of red wine for a cozy dinner

🧀 Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven.
• Customize it: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
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