Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Looking for an Italian-inspired meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners? This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender spaghetti with a creamy ricotta and sour cream mixture, layered with savory meat sauce and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this casserole takes traditional spaghetti to a whole new level, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Casserole
This recipe elevates classic spaghetti with a creamy twist and irresistible cheesy layers. Here’s why it’s bound to become a family favorite:
- Rich and Creamy Layers: The combination of ricotta and sour cream adds a velvety richness that perfectly complements the savory meat sauce.
- Cheesy Perfection: Topped with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream.
- Hearty and Satisfying: With ground beef and marinara sauce, it’s a filling, protein-packed meal.
- Easy to Make: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This casserole serves a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.
Why This Recipe Works
This baked spaghetti casserole combines classic Italian flavors with a creamy, baked twist. Cooking the ground beef with onion and garlic infuses the meat sauce with savory, aromatic flavors. Simmering the marinara sauce brings out its rich tomato base, while the ricotta and sour cream add creaminess to the spaghetti. Layering the dish ensures every bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese. Baking the casserole melds all the flavors together, while the golden, bubbly cheese topping adds an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
To make this delicious baked spaghetti casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti: The perfect base for soaking up the creamy sauce and meat mixture.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor to the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Enhances the meat sauce with a sweet, aromatic note.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for classic Italian flavor.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The rich, tomato-based foundation for the meat sauce.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, cheesy flavor to the spaghetti.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy richness to the creamy pasta layer.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey topping.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For cooking the ground beef and aromatics.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare this comforting baked spaghetti casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming too soft after baking.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop its flavors.
4. Mix the Spaghetti with the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The golden, cheesy top adds an irresistible finish.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta holds its shape better during baking and absorbs the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- Use Quality Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce elevates the flavor of the dish. Choose one with natural ingredients and minimal additives.
- Let the Casserole Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Add Extra Seasoning: For added depth, try a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This baked spaghetti casserole is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with these sides for a complete, Italian-inspired dinner:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce and cheese.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy salad balances the casserole’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze baked spaghetti casserole?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative to beef.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions to the meat sauce.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta and adds a slightly lighter texture.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking, then remove it to allow the cheese to brown.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply use gluten-free spaghetti and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that brings together creamy pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese in a beautifully baked casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal, and watch it become a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a dish to wow your guests, this baked spaghetti casserole is sure to deliver all the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine. Try it tonight and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness!
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Baked Spaghetti Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish
Description
This baked spaghetti casserole layers tender pasta with a creamy ricotta mixture, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese for a comforting, hearty meal. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s an Italian-inspired dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and sour cream, then add the cooked spaghetti and mix until coated.
7. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish, then top with half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese over the layer.
8. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
### Tip:
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a comforting, Italian-inspired meal.
### Cooking Tip:
For added depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.