If you’re a fan of classic Italian flavors, this Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try recipe. Loaded with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this dish brings together all the comforting elements of spaghetti and turns it into a baked, cheesy delight. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in, this casserole is easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is guaranteed to be a hit at the table. Paired with garlic bread and a fresh salad, it’s a complete Italian-inspired meal that brings warmth and comfort to every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Casserole
This baked spaghetti casserole is loaded with flavor and texture, making it a family favorite. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Cheesy Layers: With layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Savory Meat Sauce: The ground beef, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning give the marinara sauce a rich depth, making it perfect for a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Easy to Prepare and Assemble: The recipe is straightforward, and you can even prepare it ahead of time for stress-free meal planning.
- Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for family meals, potlucks, or gatherings, this casserole serves a generous number of people.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines classic spaghetti with rich, comforting ingredients, layering flavors and textures for a delicious baked dish. Cooking the ground beef with onion and garlic infuses the meat sauce with savory depth, while the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and diced tomatoes create a balanced, flavorful base. Layering spaghetti with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses adds a creamy, cheesy texture that melts beautifully in the oven. The final result is a bubbling, golden-brown casserole with gooey cheese, tender pasta, and a meat sauce that brings everything together in every mouthful.
Ingredients
To make this baked spaghetti casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti: Provides the base of the dish, perfect for layering and holding the sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a savory, hearty flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds depth and aroma to the meat sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: A quick, convenient way to add rich tomato flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds texture and enhances the sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Blends perfectly with the marinara and meat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess to the layers.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Follow these easy steps to prepare a comforting, Italian-inspired baked spaghetti casserole:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spaghetti, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set the pasta aside. Cooking the spaghetti al dente ensures it won’t become too soft when baked.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Sauce Ingredients and Simmer
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. This step is key to building a flavorful casserole base.
6. Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Add the Remaining Layers
Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture over the cheeses, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. These layers create a creamy, cheesy filling that enhances the dish.
8. Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: A good marinara sauce makes a big difference in flavor. Opt for a sauce with minimal additives and natural ingredients.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Cooking the pasta until just al dente ensures it doesn’t become too soft after baking.
- Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar: For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the meat sauce while it simmers. It adds a hint of sweetness that complements the tomatoes.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking to set and become easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions
This baked spaghetti casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with these sides for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s perfect for dipping into the extra sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted zucchini for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Q: Can I freeze baked spaghetti casserole?
A: Absolutely. Bake as directed, then let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: What can I use instead of ricotta?
A: Cottage cheese or a béchamel sauce can be used in place of ricotta for a slightly different texture.
Q: Can I add extra vegetables?
A: Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach make great additions to the sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Keep the casserole covered with foil during the initial baking time, then remove it to let the cheese melt and brown without burning.
Q: Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, Italian sausage adds a nice depth of flavor. Simply remove it from its casing and cook as directed for the ground beef.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheese is the perfect combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all layered with tender spaghetti. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is packed with classic Italian flavors that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this baked casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal, and enjoy the cozy, delicious flavors of this Italian-inspired classic.
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Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Meat Sauce and Cheese: A Comforting Italian Classic
Description
This baked spaghetti casserole layers tender pasta with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella for a comforting, cheesy Italian-inspired dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to make and packed with delicious flavors.
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce.
7. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with dollops of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture over the cheeses, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Tip: Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Chef’s Tip: For extra depth, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the meat sauce.