Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Cook Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix Creamy Layer:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Spaghetti:
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the spaghetti noodles, then spread the creamy mixture over the noodles.
- Top with the remaining noodles, more meat sauce, and finally, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the baked spaghetti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Slice and enjoy!
Would you like me to tweak the seasonings, or maybe add a crispy breadcrumb topping for extra texture? 🍝✨