Baked Spaghetti Casserole

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Here’s a complete, detailed recipe write-up for the baked spaghetti casserole dish you shared, with all the sections you asked for:

🍝 Baked Spaghetti Casserole

🌟 Introduction

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian pasta with the heartiness of a casserole. Unlike traditional spaghetti served in a bowl, this recipe layers pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and herbs into a baked dish that is golden, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy. It is a perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layers:

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

🍳 Instructions & Methods

  1. Cook the Spaghetti:
    • Boil water with salt and olive oil.
    • Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned.
    • Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
    • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
    • Add oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
    • Let simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
    • In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, egg, and half of the Parmesan.
  4. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Grease a large baking dish.
    • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
    • Layer half of the spaghetti, half of the cheese mixture, and half of the meat sauce.
    • Sprinkle mozzarella.
    • Repeat layers until dish is full.
    • Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Bake:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
    • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

📜 History

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a variation of traditional Italian pasta dishes, particularly lasagna. In the United States, it gained popularity in the mid-20th century as an easy, family-friendly adaptation of Italian-American cuisine. It combines the convenience of casseroles (popular in American homes) with the flavors of spaghetti, making it a beloved comfort food.

💪 Benefits

  • Protein-packed from beef and cheese.
  • Rich in calcium from mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan.
  • Family-friendly – appeals to kids and adults alike.
  • Meal-prep friendly – can be made ahead and reheated.
  • Balanced meal when served with a side salad and garlic bread.

🏗️ Formation (Layering Structure)

  • Bottom: Meat sauce base
  • Middle: Spaghetti + Cheese mixture + Meat sauce
  • Top: Mozzarella + Parmesan baked to golden perfection

🍴 Nutrition (per serving – approx. 1/8 of casserole)

  • Calories: ~480
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Calcium: 320mg

❤️ Lovers of This Dish

  • Families who want a hearty, shareable meal.
  • Cheese lovers who enjoy melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta.
  • Pasta enthusiasts looking for a twist on traditional spaghetti.
  • Busy home cooks since it can be prepared ahead of time.

🏁 Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is more than just pasta – it’s a wholesome, layered dish that blends tradition, flavor, and comfort. Its gooey cheese topping, rich meat sauce, and tender pasta make it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner.

💖 Whether enjoyed by families, couples, or food lovers, this dish never fails to bring warmth and smiles to the table.

Would you like me to also write a short social media post version (with emojis, catchy lines, and hashtags) that you could share alongside this recipe?

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