Ingredients:
Pasta:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of ground meat)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm).
- Drain the spaghetti well.
Make the Meat Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until thickened.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using).
Assemble the Baked Spaghetti:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and finally sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping.
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables to the meat sauce like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Meat Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage as delicious alternatives.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the baked spaghetti, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy your hot and cheesy Baked Spaghetti!
