Description
Baked Spasagna is a comforting and hearty casserole that combines spaghetti with a creamy cheese mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a savory Italian sausage and spaghetti sauce. This layered pasta bake is perfect for family dinners and serves 8 generously.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 24 oz spaghetti
- 4 (8-oz) packages shredded mozzarella cheese (2 lbs total)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1¼ cups half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
Meat Sauce
- 1 (26-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature while you prep the other ingredients.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Mix Cheese and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, ricotta cheese, half-and-half, shredded mozzarella, oregano, basil, pepper, minced garlic, salt, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is completely coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the spaghetti and cheese mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a crispy cheesy crust.
- Bake Pasta: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: While the pasta bakes, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then return the sausage to the skillet. Add the jar of spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavor and heat the sauce thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the baked pasta from the oven and cut into squares. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the Italian sausage meat sauce. Optionally, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over each portion before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- To make this dish ahead, assemble it completely, refrigerate covered, and bake within one day.
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
