Description
8 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it
simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and oregano. Stir to mix.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
Layer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread the ricotta mixture on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 330 per serving Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect baked spaghetti every time.
- Prep & Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish. Cook the spaghetti to al dente according to the package, as it will soften further in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir the entire jar of marinara sauce into the cooked meat. Let the mixture simmer for a full 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the ricotta, ½ cup of the mozzarella, all of the Parmesan, the beaten egg, and the dried spices (garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss until every strand is evenly coated.
- Layer in Dish: Transfer the saucy spaghetti to the greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Carefully dollop and then spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the top.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has golden spots.
- Rest & Serve: Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set for cleaner slices. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette and a side of garlic bread. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.
How-to Summary
To make baked spaghetti, cook pasta and brown meat. Simmer meat with marinara sauce. Mix ricotta, cheeses, egg, and spices. Combine pasta with sauce, layer in a dish, top with cheese mixture and mozzarella, then bake at 375°F until bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are excellent alternatives that hold sauce and cheese well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I freeze baked spaghetti? Yes. After baking, let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil and plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, covered, in the oven.
What can I substitute for ricotta? An equal amount of cottage cheese (small curd) or a mixture of cream cheese thinned with a little milk can be used in a pinch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook spaghetti only to al dente. It will absorb more sauce and soften during baking.
- Skipping the Meat Draining: Not draining the fat from the cooked ground meat can make the final dish oily.
- Forgetting to Let it Rest: Cutting into the baked spaghetti immediately will cause it to be soupy. Letting it sit for 5 minutes allows the layers to set.
- Using Cold Ricotta: For easier mixing and spreading, let the ricotta cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before preparing the filling.
Conclusion
This easy baked spaghetti recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar flavors in a satisfying, cheesy casserole. It’s a reliable, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners. With the simple steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish every time. Enjoy the layers of savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and rich, creamy cheese!
