Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti or thin pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: black olives or pepper rings for eyes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round baking pan.
- Cook pasta in salted water until just under al dente; drain and toss with a little olive oil.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add ground meat; cook until browned. Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of the pan. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheeses, finishing with a final top layer of sauce and cheese.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let rest 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter to reveal the upside-down centerpiece.
- Garnish with parsley and olives if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For crisp edges, bake uncovered and let rest before flipping.
- You can assemble the night before and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Customize with spinach or mushroom additions for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
