Absolutely! A Baked Spaghetti Casserole is cozy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a family or prepping ahead. It’s like a lasagna-meets-spaghetti hybrid — layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection.
🍝 Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
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12 oz (340g) spaghetti
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (or sausage, or a mix)
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1 small onion, chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz / 700g) marinara sauce
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 eggs
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1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated Parmesan
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Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti:
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Boil until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Make the meat sauce:
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In a skillet, sauté onion in a bit of oil until soft.
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Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Mix pasta & cheese:
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In a bowl, whisk eggs and mix with ricotta (or cottage cheese), and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Toss cooked spaghetti in this mixture until well coated.
5. Assemble the casserole:
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Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
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Top with half the meat sauce, then repeat layers.
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Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly and cheese is golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
📝 Variations:
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Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for veggies.
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Use spicy sausage for a flavor boost.
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Add a layer of pepperoni or sliced olives for a pizza-style twist.
Want a freezer-friendly version, vegetarian option, or a low-carb version next?