Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. In a baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the spaghetti over the sauce.
  7. Spread the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti and finish with the remaining meat sauce.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.