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Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

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A simple, comforting baked spaghetti casserole layered with meat sauce and a blend of cheeses, perfect for quick family dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti, broken in half
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat ideal)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded cheddar, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to blend.
  7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Top with half the meat sauce, then half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly underdone as it will finish cooking in the oven. If sauce is watery, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste before layering. Cover casserole during baking to keep moisture, then remove foil to brown the cheese. For vegetarian version, omit meat and add sautéed vegetables and plant-based cheeses.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, cheesy, family dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, pasta bake

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-cheesy-baked-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-for-family-dinners/