Detailed Steps:
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready when you assemble the casserole.
Cooking the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt, and then add the spaghetti noodles. Cook them until they are al dente according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Preparing the Ground Beef:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the beef until it is fully browned, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add half of the marinara sauce to the cooked beef and stir to combine.
Making the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese mixture.
Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the top layer of noodles.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure it covers the entire casserole.
Add the cooked ground beef mixture on top, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Baking the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Cut into squares and serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the ground beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s been chilled.
This easy baked spaghetti casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s simple to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your loved ones!
