Baked Spasagna

Baked Spasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy layers of lasagna with the long strands of spaghetti. This hearty dish is packed with cheesy goodness, savory meat, and a delicious marinara sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: A delightful twist on classic lasagna with spaghetti as the base.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even meal prep.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti
• Ground beef or sausage
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Cream cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce. Set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
6. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked spasagna in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or even short pasta like penne.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the spasagna, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when ready.

3. What’s the best way to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?

Toss the spaghetti with a little olive oil after cooking to keep it from clumping.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, any high-quality marinara sauce will work perfectly.

5. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheeses, and whole-grain or vegetable-based pasta for a lighter version.

6. Can I add vegetables to the layers?

Certainly! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions.

7. How do I ensure the cheese layer doesn’t burn?

Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking and remove it for the last 10-15 minutes.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can enhance the flavor.

9. What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment with gouda, provolone, or even a blend of your favorites.

10. How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly, and the dish should be hot throughout.

Conclusion

Baked Spasagna is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With its layers of creamy spaghetti, savory meat, and melted cheese, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a special occasion, or saving portions for later, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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