Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for baked spasagna! It’s this delightful creation that combines everything I adore about lasagna with the comforting heartiness of baked pasta. I remember the first time I made it; my kitchen was filled with the most incredible aroma of marinara and melting cheese. I couldn’t wait to dive into those layers of rich flavors! Baked spasagna is all about those luscious layers—think creamy ricotta, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It’s become a go-to for family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Baked Spasagna
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this mouthwatering baked spasagna! I promise, once you follow these steps, you’ll have an absolutely delicious dish ready to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is so important because it ensures your spasagna cooks evenly from the get-go. While the oven heats up, you can start prepping your ingredients—talk about multitasking!
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Next, let’s cook those lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water; it really enhances the flavor! To prevent sticking, stir the noodles occasionally while they cook. Once they’re al dente, drain them and lay them out flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Now, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. You want it to develop that lovely, rich color and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture adds that wonderful, rich creaminess to your spasagna!
Step 5: Layering the Spasagna
Here comes the fun part! In a baking dish, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, place three lasagna noodles on top. Next, add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of the browned beef, some mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, making sure to finish with noodles and sauce on top for that beautiful finish.
Step 6: Baking the Spasagna
Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Once it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps everything set beautifully! Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Tips for Success
If you want to make the best baked spasagna, I’ve got a few pro tips for you! First, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes helps the layers hold together when you slice into it. Also, feel free to get creative with your marinara sauce—homemade is amazing, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works wonders too! And if you love veggies, toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers for added flavor and nutrition. Lastly, be generous with the cheese on top; that bubbly, golden crust is what dreams are made of! Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference in flavor and texture!
Variations
One of the best things about baked spasagna is how versatile it is! You can easily switch up the flavors to keep things exciting. For a veggie-packed version, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini between the layers. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sliced olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses; swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option or try goat cheese for a tangy kick. Even using a mix of mozzarella and provolone can add a delightful depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover baked spasagna is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days—perfect for meal prep or late-night snacks!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spasagna in an oven-safe dish (if it’s not already) and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. If you want that cheesy top to get nice and bubbly again, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a quick reheating option—just be sure to cover it to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for a slice of baked spasagna. Of course, keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the portion sizes. But this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 20g
These figures are just estimates, so don’t stress too much about exact numbers. Just focus on enjoying this delicious, hearty meal with family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible layers of flavor with creamy ricotta, savory beef, and gooey cheese.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or cheeses to suit your taste.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing for stress-free meal planning.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep.
- Always a crowd-pleaser, bringing smiles to family and friends at the table!
FAQ Section
Can I make baked spasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Baked spasagna is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, and it’ll be just as delicious!
What’s the difference between spasagna and traditional lasagna?
Great question! While both dishes have similar ingredients, baked spasagna combines elements of lasagna and baked pasta, layering those flavors in a slightly different way. It’s a bit more forgiving and easier to assemble, which I love!
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Of course! I often use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience. Just make sure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If you have time, though, homemade sauce is a game-changer!
How do I know when my spasagna is done baking?
Look for that beautiful bubbling cheese on top! It should be golden and slightly crispy around the edges. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a thermometer—the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze baked spasagna?
Yes! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your cheesy creation whenever you want!
Baked Spasagna: 7 Irresistible Layers of Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked spasagna is a layered dish combining the elements of lasagna and baked pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Add half of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of mozzarella and some marinara.
- Repeat the layers, ending with noodles and sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Letting the spasagna rest helps it set better.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked spasagna, lasagna, pasta, Italian dish
