This cheesy baked spaghetti casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Made with tender spaghetti, savory minced meat, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, this baked dish is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The addition of eggs and milk helps bind everything together, creating a deliciously golden, cheesy topping.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 200 g (7 oz)
- Minced meat (beef or pork): 400 g (14 oz)
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic clove: 1, minced
- Carrot: 1, grated
- Bell pepper: ½, diced
- Tomato: 1, chopped
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Eggs: 4
- Spring onions: 2-3 stalks, chopped
- Milk: 450 ml (1 ¾ cups)
- Butter: 50 g (¼ cup)
- Flour: 4 tbsp (30 g)
- Grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): 100 g (1 cup)
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent (2-3 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add minced meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in grated carrot, diced bell pepper, and chopped tomato.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, chopped spring onions, and milk until well combined.
- Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the spaghetti mixture.
- Top with the prepared cheese sauce, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Casserole
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for an extra indulgent dinner.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Cooking Tips
- For extra creaminess, mix some ricotta or cream cheese into the egg mixture.
- Use a mix of cheeses like parmesan and mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
Nutritional Benefits
- High in protein from eggs, minced meat, and cheese.
- Rich in fiber and vitamins from fresh vegetables.
- Calcium boost from cheese and milk.
- Balanced meal with a mix of carbs, protein, and fats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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- ✔ Hearty and filling – A complete meal in one dish.
- ✔ Comforting and cheesy – Perfect for pasta lovers.
- ✔ Easy to customize – Swap ingredients based on your preferences.
- ✔ Great for meal prep – Reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
- ✔ Family-friendly – A dish everyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze it?
- Yes! Bake the casserole, let it cool, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
- Can I use a different type of meat?
- Absolutely! This works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
- What type of cheese works best?
- Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both are great choices for a melty, flavorful topping.
- How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
- Make sure there’s enough cheese sauce and egg mixture to coat the pasta evenly.
Conclusion
This cheesy baked spaghetti casserole is the perfect blend of comfort food, flavor, and nutrition. It’s easy to make, great for meal prep, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole will be a hit! Try it today and enjoy every bite! 🍝🧀✨