Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines al dente pasta with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With its golden crust and savory flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the ground meat until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with garlic powder and oregano; fold in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer half of the spaghetti in a baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Customize your Cheesy Baked Spaghetti by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. For a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. Don't rush the baking time; let it rest after baking for even better flavor.