Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish that brings together tender spaghetti, rich marinara, and savory ground beef. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
4. Step 4: Add the marinara sauce to the browned ground beef and stir thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Step 6: Add the beef and marinara sauce mixture to the bowl and stir everything together until well combined.
7. Step 7: Transfer the combined spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Step 8: Generously top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust during baking.
9. Step 9: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed onions and garlic to the ground beef before browning.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Mix in chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce to give the casserole a kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze spaghetti casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled casserole before baking in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and bake as directed.

Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 51 reviews

A comforting baked spaghetti casserole that combines al dente spaghetti with savory ground beef and marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, golden crust.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Meat

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef

Sauces and Cheese

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti well to remove excess water.
3. Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
4. Combine Sauce and Beef: Add the marinara sauce to the browned ground beef in the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.
5. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then add the beef and marinara sauce mixture to the bowl and stir everything together until well combined.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Generously top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously cheesy crust during baking.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.

Notes

• Be sure to drain the spaghetti thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For extra flavor, add chopped garlic or onions when browning the ground beef.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes with the seasonings.

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, ground beef casserole, cheesy spaghetti bake, Italian pasta casserole