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Saturday, 5 July 2025

Spaghetti casserole


 Spaghetti casserole 

Here’s a cozy, cheesy, and family-approved recipe blog for **Spaghetti Casserole** — a baked twist on classic spaghetti that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.


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## 🍝🧀 Spaghetti Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Baked to Perfection


If you love spaghetti and crave that comforting, oven-baked, cheese-pulled goodness — then **Spaghetti Casserole** is about to become a new favorite. This dish takes all the best parts of spaghetti night — savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese — and layers them into one bubbling, golden casserole.


It’s **easy to make ahead**, great for feeding a crowd, and totally freezer-friendly. Think of it as **lasagna’s laid-back cousin** — all the flavor, half the effort!


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## 🧾 Ingredients


* **12 oz spaghetti noodles**, cooked and drained

  *The base of the dish — al dente is best for baking.*


* **1 lb ground beef** (or sausage or turkey)

  *Hearty and flavorful protein layer.*


* **1 small onion**, diced

  *Adds a savory foundation.*


* **2–3 cloves garlic**, minced

  *Classic Italian aroma and depth.*


* **1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce**

  *Use your favorite brand or homemade.*


* **1 tsp Italian seasoning**

  *For that herby, comforting flavor.*


* **½ tsp salt and pepper**, to taste


* **1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese** *(optional for creaminess)*


* **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**

  *The star of the show — melty and stretchy.*


* **½ cup grated Parmesan cheese**

  *For richness and golden topping.*


* **Chopped parsley or basil**, for garnish (optional)


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## 👩‍🍳 Instructions


### 🔹 1. Cook the Pasta


* Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente.

* Drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.


### 🔹 2. Prepare the Meat Sauce


* In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat until fully cooked.

* Add garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

* Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.


### 🔹 3. Mix the Base


* In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, half the meat sauce, and (optional) ricotta or cottage cheese.

* Stir until well coated.


### 🔹 4. Layer the Casserole


* Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.

* In a greased 9x13" baking dish:


  1. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture.

  2. Add a layer of meat sauce.

  3. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.

  4. Repeat layers.

  5. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.


### 🔹 5. Bake


* Cover with foil and bake for **20 minutes**.

* Uncover and bake **10–15 more minutes**, until bubbly and golden.


### 🔹 6. Rest and Serve


* Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

* Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.


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## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions


* Pair with **garlic bread** or **buttery rolls**

* Add a crisp **Caesar or garden salad** on the side

* Serve with extra **warm marinara** for sauce lovers


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## 💡 Tips & Variations


* **Cheesy upgrade**: Add provolone or fontina for extra richness.

* **Veggie boost**: Layer in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

* **Spicy twist**: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

* **Make ahead**: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.


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