If you’re searching for a heartwarming dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy nights at home, look no further than Grandma's Baked Spaghetti! This Italian classic is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, featuring layers of tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, and creamy ricotta, all topped with a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella. In just one hour, you can whip up this delightful dish that yields six generous servings, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in leftovers. Ready to dive into a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the beef and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the dish by first spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add the cooked spaghetti, then spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the baked spaghetti rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your Grandma's Baked Spaghetti!
Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Spaghetti: To achieve that ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions closely. Remember, the spaghetti will continue to cook while baking, so don’t overdo it!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to your meat sauce while it simmers. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Adding provolone or fontina can give your baked spaghetti a unique twist. Just ensure you have enough mozzarella for that gooey top layer.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the baked spaghetti a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the baked spaghetti to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish.Enjoy your cooking adventure with Grandma's Baked Spaghetti!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
