Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best elements of spaghetti and lasagna in one dish. The spaghetti is perfectly coated with sauce, cheese, and a flavorful filling, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This dish is a great make-ahead meal that stores well for leftovers, and it’s versatile enough to be made with your favorite ingredients. Whether you add ground beef, sausage, or keep it vegetarian, this casserole is a family favorite that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for extra texture)

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Assemble the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the sauce mixture, making sure the pasta is well-coated. If you’re using ricotta cheese, mix it into the pasta and sauce mixture for extra creaminess.

6. Layer the casserole: Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

8. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

• Active time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, or use a plant-based meat alternative.

• Extra Cheesy: Add an additional layer of mozzarella cheese or even some provolone for extra cheesiness.

• Spicy: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

• Meatballs: Instead of ground beef, use cooked meatballs for a heartier dish.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Baked Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a bit of extra sauce if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I make Baked Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve, but you may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni if you prefer. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions before assembling the casserole.

Can I make this casserole without ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can leave out the ricotta cheese if you prefer or substitute it with cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?

If the casserole seems dry, you can add extra marinara sauce or a splash of water or vegetable broth when assembling. This will keep it moist as it bakes.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce doesn’t contain gluten. This way, the casserole will be entirely gluten-free.

Can I use homemade tomato sauce instead of jarred?

Yes, homemade tomato sauce can be used in place of jarred marinara sauce. Just make sure it’s seasoned to your liking.

Can I use plant-based cheese for a vegan version?

Yes, you can use plant-based cheese options for the mozzarella and Parmesan to make this casserole vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner. With its layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that will please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion. Try this hearty and satisfying casserole today, and enjoy the flavors of spaghetti with the convenience of a one-dish meal!