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Ultimate Cheesy Baked Spaghetti: 5-Step Homemade Casserole

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A rich, saucy, and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole that bridges the gap between a quick weeknight dinner and a slow-simmered feast. This recipe features a secret heavy cream addition for a silky texture and a crispy, golden top.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dry spaghetti noodles
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, browned and drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain well and toss with butter.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the meat. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce in the skillet, tossing until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella, all the cheddar, and the parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

Break spaghetti in half for easier eating in a casserole format. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Do not rinse the pasta after boiling to help the sauce cling. Let the casserole rest before serving to prevent it from being soupy.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, weeknight dinner, pasta bake

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/ultimate-cheesy-baked-spaghetti-5-step-homemade-casserole/