Casserole de Spaghetti Recipe
Spaghetti casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. This version combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with a rich, cheesy sauce, ground beef, and a crunchy topping for an extra layer of texture. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz/410g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz/170g) can tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (115g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- While the meat sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, sour cream, and milk. Mix until well blended.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the meat sauce to the cooked spaghetti and mix until evenly combined.
- Stir in the cheese sauce mixture until the spaghetti and meat sauce are well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Enjoy your homemade spaghetti casserole with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal! This dish not only satisfies hunger but also makes for great leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop and deepen over time.
