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Baked spaghetti is a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This delightful meal combines the familiar flavors of traditional spaghetti with an inviting baked twist, resulting in a rich, cheesy, and satisfying experience that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The concept of baked spaghetti is simple yet delectable, transforming a classic pasta dish into a hearty casserole that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Classic Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Discover the joy of homemade cooking with this Heavenly Baked Spaghetti Delight recipe, a comforting dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Combining rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe transforms a classic into a hearty casserole. Easy to prepare, it's an ideal choice for any occasion. Elevate your mealtime experience and share the warmth of this delicious dish with family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside to cool slightly.

    Prepare the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until it has browned completely, using a spatula to break it into smaller crumbles. Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic.

      Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend together, then remove the skillet from heat.

        Mix the Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, large egg, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir the mixture vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.

          Combine Spaghetti and Meat Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the meat sauce from the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every strand of pasta is well-coated with the savory sauce.

            Layer the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish to create the first layer. Evenly dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti, followed by a generous sprinkle of half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, ricotta, and finish off with the last of the mozzarella cheese. Top the entire dish with the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

              Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has turned a lovely golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for around 10 minutes before slicing into portions. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm to enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 55 min | 8 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the baked spaghetti on individual plates and sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. A drizzle of olive oil or a few extra basil leaves can also enhance the visual appeal.