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Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

A close-up of a generous slice of baked spaghetti casserole, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
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A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe is easy to make ahead and freezes well.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  5. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the meat sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead meal, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled or frozen.
  • You can add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

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