Description
This Cozy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and familiar dish featuring tender pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your baking dish.
Cook your spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
Brown the ground beef with onion and drain the fat.
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer.
In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, and some Parmesan cheese.
Combine the cooked spaghetti with the cottage cheese mixture, then spread it in your baking dish.
Top with the meat sauce, mozzarella, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Cook spaghetti until it’s just tender ensures it holds up beautifully in the casserole without becoming mushy.
Choose lean ground beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.
A good quality jarred marinara sauce makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. Feel free to use your favorite, or even a homemade one if you have it.
Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese offers a creamy, tangy layer that complements the rich tomato sauce. Ricotta will offer a slightly smoother texture.
Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that classic cheesy pull everyone loves.
Both grated and shredded Parmesan add a salty, nutty depth of flavor to the filling and the topping.
For added nutrients and flavor, you can sauté finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion. A handful of chopped fresh spinach stirred into the meat sauce just before assembling is also a lovely addition.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (estimated)
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g per serving (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40g per serving (estimated)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g per serving (estimated)