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Spaghetti Casserole 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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