Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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🍝 Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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🌟 Introduction

Baked Spaghetti is the cozy cousin of lasagna — the same rich layers of pasta, beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, but simpler to prepare and just as satisfying. This casserole-style dish is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or even meal prep for the week. When baked, the flavors meld beautifully: creamy, cheesy, meaty, and absolutely irresistible.

It’s the kind of dish that warms both the body and heart — a celebration of comfort food at its finest.

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🕰️ History

The roots of baked spaghetti trace back to Italian-American cuisine, where cooks in the early 1900s began adapting traditional pasta dishes for American kitchens. Lasagna was beloved but time-consuming — so inventive home cooks layered spaghetti with sauce and cheese, baking it into an easier, crowd-friendly meal.

Over time, it became a Sunday dinner favorite across the U.S. and beyond — a symbol of family, sharing, and comfort.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) spaghetti sauce or homemade tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta Layer:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

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🔪 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente (a little firm).
2. Drain and toss with butter, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Set aside to slightly cool — this forms the base layer.

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Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Let simmer for about 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

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Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture.
3. Spoon half of the meat sauce on top.
4. Add spoonfuls of ricotta or cottage cheese (optional).
5. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce.
6. Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

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Step 4: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
3. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set perfectly.

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🧱 Formation

The structure of this dish is what makes it magical:

1. Base Layer: Spaghetti mixed with butter, egg, and Parmesan — this binds the pasta together.
2. Middle Layer: Savory meat sauce — juicy, aromatic, and rich.
3. Top Layer: A luscious blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese that melts into golden perfection.

Each forkful delivers the perfect harmony of pasta, meat, and cheese.

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🌿 Benefits

1. Rich in Protein: The beef and cheese provide essential proteins for energy and muscle repair.
2. Comforting and Filling: Great for a hearty meal after a long day.
3. Easy to Store: Can be refrigerated or frozen for future meals.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults — perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
5. Customizable: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a lighter version.

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💞 Lovers’ Section

Baked Spaghetti is a romantic comfort dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner date — rich, cheesy, and meant to be shared. The stringy mozzarella pull, the steam rising from the baked layers, and the aroma of tomato and garlic filling the kitchen set the perfect mood.

Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, and perhaps a glass of red wine. Light a candle and let the warmth of the meal bring you closer.

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🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 29 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Calcium: 25% DV
• Iron: 20% DV

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🧁 Conclusion

The Baked Spaghetti Casserole combines the best of spaghetti and lasagna — cheesy, saucy, hearty, and irresistibly comforting. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or someone special, it’s always a recipe that shows love through every bite.

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💖 For Lovers Again

When two people share baked spaghetti, it’s more than just dinner — it’s comfort, laughter, and love on a plate. Feed each other a forkful, smile, and remember: great love stories often begin with great food.

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