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A baked lasagna in a rectangular dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. A yellow napkin, an onion, and a small bowl of seasoning are nearby.
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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a family favorite and simple to get on the table even on a busy weeknight! Made with meaty marinara sauce, 4 types of cheese, herbs and spaghetti pasta, this is sure to satisfy everyones hunger.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Keyword baked spaghetti, baked spaghetti casserole
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 519kcal
Author Katie Cooksey

Ingredients

for the meat sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 32 oz marinara sauce homemade or store bought
  • 1 cup water

for the cheese mixture

  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 8 large fresh basil leaves chopped
  • salt & pepper to taste

for the pasta

  • 16 oz spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup butter softend
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded (for topping)
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, and toss with butter so every noodle is coated.
    A pot of cooked spaghetti with butter cubes on top, surrounded by ingredients including a wedge of cheese, herbs, garlic, an onion, a bowl of shredded cheese, a bowl of sauce, and small dishes of spices.
  • In a large skillet or pot, cook onion and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add marinara and a bit of water, then let it simmer while you prep the rest.
    White pot with raw ground meat and chopped onions. Surrounding items include cheese wedge, seasoning in a bowl, parsley, garlic, fresh basil, jar of tomato sauce, whole onion, and glass of oil.
  • Preheat oven to 375° F. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
  • Add buttered spaghetti to a lightly greased 9x13 glass baking dish or casserole dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Then pour the meat sauce on top and smooth it out.
    A tray of cooked spaghetti is surrounded by ingredients including parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, pepper, and an onion on a marble surface.
  • Next, pour meat sauce over top the cheese layer and spread out evenly.
    A baking dish filled with uncooked lasagna layers, ricotta cheese, and a portion of meat sauce. Ingredients like basil, Parmesan cheese, onion, and spices are nearby.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
    A rectangular baking dish filled with lasagna, topped with tomato sauce and shredded cheese, sits on a countertop. Fresh basil, onion, a dish of pepper, and a wedge of cheese are nearby.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to melt cheese topping.
    A baked dish of vegetable lasagna topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, placed on a light grey surface with garlic cloves, a block of cheese, and fresh basil on the side.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley, cut into 12 squares and serve hot.
    A close-up of a freshly baked lasagna slice being lifted from a dish, showcasing layers of melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, ground meat, and herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 777mg | Potassium: 556mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1147IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 341mg | Iron: 3mg
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