Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Baked spaghetti casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe combines tender spaghetti, flavorful ground meat, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook 1 lb of spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 lb of ground beef or ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the jar of marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the meat sauce. Toss to ensure the spaghetti is well coated with the sauce.
2. Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
3. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the spaghetti layer.
4. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
3. Serve the baked spaghetti casserole hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

This baked spaghetti casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its cheesy, meaty, and flavorful layers make it a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make dish with your loved ones!

Keywords: Baked Spaghetti, Casserole Recipe, Easy Pasta Dish, Family Dinner, Comfort Food

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