Description
This Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole layered with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional ricotta cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, it combines classic Italian flavors with a simple baking method to create a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120g) ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and mix thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Build Layers: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the spaghetti. If using, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly on top.
- Top with Remaining Mixture: Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture over the cheese, then finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and melt cheeses.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- Ricotta cheese is optional, but adds a creamy texture to the bake.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a fresher taste instead of dried ones.
- Allow the bake to rest before slicing to help it set and hold shape.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
