Looking for an easy and simple family dinner that is sure to become a family favorite? This easy Baked Spaghetti with Ricotta is a winner. With ground beef, mozzarella, ricotta, marinara, and noodles, you can’t go wrong. One of the best easy comfort foods you will find!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Little Italy in the Bronx. The opinions and text are all mine.
Have you ever gone through periods of time where you feel like your children are changing at the speed of light?
That is where we are right now.
Skye is growing up so fast that it is killing me.
Don’t get me wrong; I love where she is right now. She is delicious.
The fits are gone, and I can take her anywhere with zero stress of worrying about behavior issues.
And she is quite the conversationalist! My girl has the gift of gab, and I could spend all day just chatting with her.
And oh, the imagination! She loves to “write” books and read me the stories.
The boys are growing up fast as well.
With one teen and one that will be a teen in February, I am all too aware that I am going to blink and they are going to be grown.
All of this has had me making sure that I am spending as much time with them as I can.
I’ve looked at my schedule and tried to simplify everything that I can to free up time with the kids.
These days, I am going for simple family meals like today’s Baked Spaghetti.
With a salad on the side, it is the perfect weeknight dinner.
I used to shy away from Italian dishes during the week.
I mean, who has time to spend all day nursing a marinara sauce? I know I have better things to do (hang with the kids), and I am sure that you do too.
Thanks to Little Italy in the Bronx, you don’t have to.
Little Italy in the Bronx sauce is made with imported Italian tomatoes and simple, wholesome ingredients. And, it is gluten-free! (Score!) Made in small batches, you won’t find any tomato paste here.
If you love supporting companies that give back as much as I do, you are going to want to learn more about Little Italy in the Bronx.
A portion of the proceeds for each jar of Little Italy in the Bronx goes to the Belmont Business Improvement District, which is a local nonprofit organization. These funds work to help preserve the traditions of the area, by promoting cultural programming, business development, and even streetscape improvements.
Little Italy Arthur Avenue in the Bronx was designated by the American Planning Association as one of the “great streets” of America. It is a global destination known for restaurants and handmade local and imported goods. The authentic Italian culture has been passed down by the generations of families that have lived, worked and shopped there for over a century.
You can pick up Little Italy in the Bronx sauces on the pasta sauce aisle at Publix. It comes in multiple varieties including:
- Little Italy in the Bronx Tomato Basil
- Little Italy in the Bronx Alla Vodka
- Little Italy in the Bronx Alfredo
- Little Italy in the Bronx Arrabbiata
Savings Alert: From 10/27/18 – 11/9/18, the product will be on sale at Publix for $3.99. That is a savings of $2 per bottle. Make sure you shop Publix to get this deal!
Tools for Making Baked Spaghetti with Ricotta Cheese
- Skillet
- 13 x 9” Baking Dish
- Colander
Baked Spaghetti with Ricotta
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 pound ground beef preferably grass-fed
- 1 medium onion chopped fine (or 2 small)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces Little Italy in the Bronx Marinara
- 16 ounces spaghetti I used gluten-free, but feel free to substitute for regular spaghetti
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, using a wooden spoon to break up.
- Once the ground beef has started to brown and is broken up into small pieces, add onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning to pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is brown and onions are tender about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in marinara and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and return to the hot pan. Toss with the ricotta cheese.
- Place a spoon full of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9” casserole dish. Top with half of the noodles, half of the sauce and half of the cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with the cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until warm and bubbly.
VARIATIONS FOR SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE WITH RICOTTA
- For a lower carb alternative, substitute spaghetti squash for the spaghetti.
- For an extra kick of veggies, add 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced red pepper and 1/2 pound sliced button mushrooms when you add the onion.
- Mix up the cheeses and use sharp cheddar in place of the mozzarella. Alternatively, use a blend of the two.
I haven’t seen this in my neck of the woods. I will look for this now. I love that it is gluten-free. And the tomatoes are imported from Italy. Wow.
Any dish with pasta will become my favorite in a pinch. This recipe is amazing! I love it! Congrats.
Mmm delicious! I really love how put together this post is with nutrition facts and everything ♥️
This looks fantastic. I will for sure be making this for dinner.
This looks absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t have thought to use ricotta with my spaghetti. And I’ve never done baking. But I will have to try this out.
This looks delicious! Our family loves Italian food and would really enjoy this; adding to next week’s meal plan!
That k you for sharing this recipe. I now how a new option to offer my boys. This is totally new flavor for them to try.