Here’s a comforting recipe for Spaghetti Casserole that’s cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for a family meal or potluck!
Ingredients:
- For the Casserole:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Meat and Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Mix the Cheese Layer:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
- Pour half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm!
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef or sausage for mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables for a veggie-friendly version.
This Spaghetti Casserole is cheesy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers! Enjoy!