Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Cook Spaghetti:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Sauce and Seasonings:
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Mix Ricotta and Cheese:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the Dish:
In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Add half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
Top with the remaining spaghetti and then pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top.
Top with Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Baked Spaghetti, perfect for a comforting family dinner!