Try This Cozy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Tonight

Hearty weeknight meals like this baked spaghetti casserole spark joy in busy kitchens everywhere.

Comfort arrives with layers of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned pasta.

Families gather around steaming dishes, sharing stories and savoring each delicious bite.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical culinary dance that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Crispy edges and gooey centers make this dish irresistible for anyone who loves classic Italian-american comfort food.

Pasta lovers will absolutely adore how easily this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Prepare to be amazed by how one pan can create such incredible memories around your dinner table.

Why Baked Spaghetti Is Comfort on a Plate

• This baked spaghetti casserole is a guaranteed hit for family dinners and potlucks, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required.
• Layering ingredients is super simple, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily customizable with different proteins or vegetables, this casserole adapts to your pantry ingredients and dietary preferences while maintaining its irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Combines affordable ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and cheese into a hearty meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

What Goes into a Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that forms the base of the casserole.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich meat for hearty flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato sauce that adds moisture and taste.

• Ricotta Cheese, Cottage Cheese: Creamy base for the cheese layer.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates gooey texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth of flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics for depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices for enhancing overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing and adding richness.

• Egg: Binding agent for the cheese mixture.

Steps to Bake the Best Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, give it a quick drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and transform onions into soft, translucent gems.

Invite garlic to join the party, letting it dance in the pan for a quick minute.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light and delicious.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Magic

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Let everything simmer and mingle for about 10 minutes, building layers of flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Whisk these ingredients until they become a creamy dream.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole Foundation

Spread a thin blanket of meat sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 8: Build the First Layer

• Cheese mixture
• More meat sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

Repeat this delightful layering process one more time.

Step 9: Add the Crowning Glory

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, creating a golden, cheesy masterpiece.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven for 25 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 11: Final Bake

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to serve perfect portions of this comforting dish.

Tips for Cheesy and Hearty Spaghetti Bake

• Toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil immediately after draining to stop noodles from clumping together.
• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for deeper, richer flavor profile in the meat sauce.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and keep casserole from becoming watery.
• Create even layers of spaghetti, sauce, and cheese for consistent taste and texture in every bite.
• Let casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make cutting easier.

How to Store and Reheat Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place portion in oven-safe dish. Add splash of water or extra marinara to prevent drying. Cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy top.

What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of the baked spaghetti with a robust Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the cheese and enhances the tomato sauce's depth.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Balance the hearty casserole with a light, tangy Caesar salad featuring fresh romaine, homemade croutons, and a zesty dressing to add brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Create the perfect sidekick by toasting crusty Italian bread with garlic butter and herbs, providing a crunchy texture that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds extra flavor dimensions.
• Finish with Sparkling Water: Cleanse the palate between bites with a chilled sparkling water infused with a slice of lemon, helping to refresh the taste buds and cut through the casserole's richness.

Fun Styles for Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, creating a lighter dish that's perfect for carb-conscious eaters.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast, cashew cheese, or vegan mozzarella alternatives for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even ground chicken for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Try using lean ground beef or turkey, part-skim ricotta, and reducing the amount of cheese to cut down on calories and fat.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade Baked Spaghetti Casserole delivers comfort and warmth with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Hearty Italian-inspired flavors invite families to gather around the table and savor each cheesy, saucy bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Binding and Topping:

• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Cook pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, then lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a large skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then quickly introduce minced garlic and cook for a brief moment.
4. Brown ground beef thoroughly, carefully draining any accumulated fat to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
5. Introduce marinara sauce to the meat, enhancing with seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop depth for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Create a creamy cheese blend by combining ricotta, beaten egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Establish a protective base layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
8. Construct the casserole by alternating layers: first pasta, then cheese mixture, followed by meat sauce and mozzarella. Repeat this layering process for maximum flavor distribution.
9. Generously crown the casserole with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden, crispy topping.
10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to ensure even cooking.
11. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns beautifully golden and the edges bubble enticingly.
12. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes before serving, which helps the layers set and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat spaghetti for a fiber-rich, healthier alternative that adds nutty flavor and extra nutrition to the classic recipe.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner, lower-fat version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the dish’s depth by adding a splash of red wine while cooking the meat sauce, which brings a rich, complex flavor and makes the casserole taste more gourmet.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg