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Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy portion of creamy baked spaghetti casserole, showing melted mozzarella strings.
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A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole layered with meat sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe includes tips for making it freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  6. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
  7. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the meat sauce.
  8. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese mixture.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a freezer-friendly option, assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until heated through. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • This casserole is great for potlucks. To keep it warm, transport it in an insulated carrier.
  • For a lighter option, consider meal planning with lighter cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/creamy-baked-spaghetti-casserole/