Rich Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, hearty dish that elevates classic spaghetti with layers of savory sauce, tender pasta, and a blend of creamy cheeses. This baked version offers a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti, with a rich meat sauce that’s simmered to perfection and then combined with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible flavor. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep, this dish combines the convenience of pasta with the indulgence of a baked casserole, resulting in a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta or cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta or cream cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then repeat with another layer of spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Rich Baked Spaghetti is a deliciously cheesy and savory dish that combines the flavors of spaghetti with the comfort of a baked casserole, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or entertaining a crowd.
