Baked Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook Spaghetti:
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti, then layer half of the remaining meat sauce over the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve:
Let the baked spaghetti cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Source: Adapted from classic baked spaghetti recipes.