Heirloom Italian Baked Spaghetti is a comforting classic that combines the richness of Italian flavors with the coziness of a baked casserole. It's the perfect dish for a family dinner or a potluck, bringing everyone together around the table with its irresistible aroma and hearty flavors.
Spaghetti serves as the sturdy base of the dish, absorbing the flavors of the meat sauce and cheese. Ground beef adds a hearty protein, making the dish filling and satisfying. Onion and garlic are the aromatic foundation, enhancing the flavor of the beef and sauce. Marinara sauce brings the classic Italian flavor, while cream cheese and ricotta add a creamy, tangy layer. Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese create a gooey, cheesy topping that browns beautifully. Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, and dried oregano and basil punch up the Italian flavor profile.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and a loaf of crusty garlic bread. A glass of Chianti or a light-bodied red wine complements the rich flavors nicely.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) — you'll want it ready to go once your casserole is assembled. While that's warming up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This ensures it won't become too mushy when baked. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they're translucent and aromatic. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once they're ready, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it's nicely browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, and basil. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together — you'll want a rich, fragrant sauce. As that's simmering, mix the softened cream cheese and ricotta in a bowl until smooth.
Now it's time to assemble! In a large baking dish, start with a layer of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti, then add another layer of meat sauce. Top with the remaining spaghetti, the last layer of meat sauce, and finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so the layers set slightly and are easier to slice.
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