Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz/680g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara or spaghetti sauce, then stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- If using, spread the ricotta or cottage cheese over the top. Layer the remaining spaghetti over this, followed by the remaining meat sauce and cheeses.
- Bake the Spaghetti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
This cheesy baked spaghetti is a perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and loved by all. It’s great for family dinners, and leftovers can be reheated easily.
Would you like any variations on this recipe or additional tips?
