Easy Weeknight Dinner – Baked Spaghetti

I’m a busy mom working two jobs and raising two young children. From the time that I open my eyes at 6 AM until the time I finally pass out at night, I’m constantly running and on-the-go. I’m sure that many moms can relate.

Like most children, my kids love spaghetti and I make it for them about twice a month. I like to cook up my pasta the night before and refrigerate it for the next day. When I get home from work, I toss my ingredients together, place it into the oven and within 15 to 20 minutes a hot dinner is on the table. Here is how I make it and you can use whatever pasta you have on hand.

Baked Spaghetti Recipe

1 pkg, pasta, cooked and drained
1 jar spaghetti sauce
3/4 lb. to 1 lb. lean ground beef, cooked
1 pkg. ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

The night before (usually a Sunday night), I cook up my pasta and lean ground beef. I refrigerate them in separate bowls.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

When I get home from work I place the cooked pasta into the bottom of a baking dish. Mix the cooked ground beef into the spaghetti sauce. Spoon 1/2 of this sauce mixture on top of the pasta in a flat layer. Then spoon the ricotta cheese on top, using a spoon to evenly spread it. Pour the rest of the meat & sauce on top, using the spoon to evenly spread it. Combine together the mozzarella cheese & parmesan cheese and then sprinkle the cheeses on top.

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until done. It will be hot and the cheese will be melted & bubbly. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

My family likes this served with toasted/baked garlic bread, so you can throw that into the oven while the spaghetti is baking too. They will both be done at the same time!

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