Description
This Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is a comforting, hearty casserole featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a flavorful meat and tomato sauce, layered with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional ricotta cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the perfect family-friendly meal with rich Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or any pasta of choice)
Meat Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120g) ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the spaghetti casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned and breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the prepared meat sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Layer Spaghetti and Cheese (First Layer): Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over this layer. If using, add dollops of ricotta cheese for creaminess.
- Layer Spaghetti and Cheese (Second Layer): Add the remaining spaghetti mixture over the first cheese layer, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the casserole heat through without drying out.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the spaghetti bake to cool for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing and serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
- If you prefer, use any pasta shape you like instead of spaghetti.
- The ricotta cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess to the bake.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
