Save The first time I made this was for a Tuesday night dinner that somehow turned into a weekend project. My neighbor had dropped off some ricotta she would not use, and I kept staring at it until the spaghetti in the pantry caught my eye. Four hours later, my kitchen smelled like an Italian grandmother had moved in, and my husband was already asking when I would make it again.
I brought this to a potluck last winter, and it vanished in under fifteen minutes. Three people asked for the recipe before they even finished their first serving. Something about those layers, the way the Alfredo creaminess meets the hearty meat sauce, makes people put down their forks and pay attention.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti: Cook just shy of al dente since it will finish in the oven
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundation of that hearty meat sauce everyone craves
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage: This is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce sing
- 1 medium yellow onion: Dice it small so it melts into the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh minced, nothing compares to that aroma
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: Your favorite brand works perfectly here
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: Or chop up some fresh basil and oregano if you have it
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adjust these to your taste after simmering
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Full fat gives the best texture and flavor
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce: Homemade or store bought, both work beautifully
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tang that cuts through all that richness
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the creamy layers together
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Do not buy pre shredded if you can help it
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: The salty finish that ties everything together
Instructions
- Preheat and prep your baking dish:
- Get your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch dish with butter or cooking spray
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Boil according to package directions but pull it a minute early, it needs some bite
- Brown the meats:
- Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together, breaking it up until no pink remains
- Add the aromatics:
- Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, let them soften for about 4 minutes
- Build the meat sauce:
- Pour in the marinara, herbs, salt, and pepper, then let it simmer for 5 minutes
- Make the creamy layer:
- Whisk together the ricotta, Alfredo, sour cream, and egg until smooth
- Start layering:
- Spread half the spaghetti, then half the Alfredo mixture, half the meat sauce, and half the cheeses
- Repeat the layers:
- Do it all again with what is left, ending with the remaining cheese on top
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let everything meld
- Get that golden top:
- Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbling and browned
- The hardest part:
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing, this keeps the layers from sliding apart
Save My daughter declared this better than restaurant spaghetti after her first bite. Now she requests it for every birthday dinner, and I happily oblige because seeing that face light up over something I made is worth every pot I have to wash afterward.
Making It Ahead
You can assemble this the night before and refrigerate it, just add 10 minutes to the covered baking time. I do this for dinner parties and it is a lifesaver.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Some crusty garlic bread does not hurt either.
- Let people add red pepper flakes at the table
- A glass of red wine brings everything together
- Extra Parmesan never hurts anyone
Save This is the kind of recipe that turns a regular Tuesday into something worth remembering. Enjoy every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of meat are used in this dish?
Ground beef and Italian sausage are combined for a rich and flavorful meat sauce that complements the pasta layers.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just bake it thoroughly before serving.
- → What cheeses are included in the layers?
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are used, along with a creamy Alfredo layer featuring ricotta and sour cream for added richness.
- → How can I make a lighter version?
Substitute ground turkey for the meats and use a light Alfredo sauce to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad and garlic bread make excellent accompaniments to balance the richness of the baked layers.
- → Is it safe for people with common allergens?
The dish contains wheat, milk, and eggs; check ingredient labels carefully if allergies are a concern.