Aunt Maria’s Spaghetti Casserole

1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2️⃣ Make the Meat Sauce

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
• Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.

3️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, and half the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the casserole dish.
• Layer half the cooked spaghetti evenly across the sauce.
• Top with half of the cheese mixture, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
• Repeat the layers: spaghetti, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with the remaining Parmesan.

5️⃣ Bake It

• Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6️⃣ Rest & Serve

• Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. 🌱

Cook Time ⏲️

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Pro Tips for Perfection 🌟

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply bake when ready!
• Freeze for Later: Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for those busy nights. Thaw and bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version. 🥦
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles to adapt the recipe.

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What to Serve with Spaghetti Casserole 🍽️

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. 🥖
• Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances the richness. 🥗
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great sidekicks. 🥦

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FAQs About This Recipe 🙋‍♀️

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well for this casserole.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy twist. 🌶️

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Join the Family Tradition! ❤️

Aunt Maria’s Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a dish that brings people together. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

What’s your favorite family recipe? Share it with us—we’d love to hear your stories! 🥰