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Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

A delicious slice of creamy baked spaghetti casserole topped with melted cheese and meat sauce.
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A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole layered with a rich meat sauce, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This recipe includes tips for making it ahead and freezing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 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 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti.
  7. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
  8. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the meat sauce.
  9. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
  10. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  12. Bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • To make ahead: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen, add an additional 20-30 minutes to the covered baking time. If baking from refrigerated, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the uncovered baking time.
  • For potlucks: Bake the casserole and transport it in the baking dish. Keep it warm in an insulated carrier or reheat it gently in a low oven.
  • You can add a layer of cooked, drained ground Italian sausage along with the ground beef for extra flavor.
  • For a creamier texture, you can stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the ricotta cheese mixture.

Nutrition

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