A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole perfect for weeknights or potlucks. This layered pasta bake is a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer half of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti.
Spread half of the meat sauce over the ricotta mixture.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Notes
For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This casserole also freezes well. Freeze before baking, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and bake as directed.
You can add a layer of cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.