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Cheesy Baked Spaghetti with Ground Beef

A comforting and delicious baked spaghetti dish layered with ground beef, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, baked to perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz spaghetti uncooked
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef preferably lean
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz can
  • 1 cup marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For Topping
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom.
  3. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
  4. Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the meat sauce and spread it gently.
  5. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
Add Toppings and Bake
  1. Top the final layer with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of parmesan cheese.
  2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.
  2. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

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