Baked Spaghetti With Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Baked spaghetti with ricotta cheese is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many across the world. This dish is easy to prepare and offers a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner or a special meal to impress your guests, baked spaghetti with ricotta cheese is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
To prepare baked spaghetti with ricotta cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, and you can easily adjust the measurements to suit your taste preferences.
Instructions
Here is how to prepare baked spaghetti with ricotta cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until tender.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, and cook until browned.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, and stir well.
- Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the spaghetti layer.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture.
- Spread the remaining spaghetti mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the spaghetti layer.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
This recipe makes about 8 servings, and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and bake.
Variations
There are many variations of baked spaghetti with ricotta cheese that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a healthier option.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for a unique taste.
- Replace the spaghetti with other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
Get creative and have fun experimenting with different ingredients and flavors!
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti with ricotta cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. This classic Italian dish is loved by many across the world, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can prepare a comforting and flavorful meal that will leave everyone satisfied. So why not give this recipe a try today?