Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Indulge in a comforting and delicious dish with Baked Spaghetti Casserole. This hearty meal brings together tender spaghetti, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling, all baked to perfection for a satisfying family dinner.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful meal that everyone will love, Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the answer. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and a great way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces spaghetti


• 2 24-ounce jars spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce


• 1 1/4 lbs. ground beef (or sweet Italian sausage)


• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped


• 3 cloves garlic, minced


• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste


• 8 ounces cream cheese


• 4 ounces ricotta cheese


• 1 egg, room temperature


• 1/2 cup sour cream


• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning


• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese


• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese


• Chopped fresh Italian parsley


• Chopped fresh basil

Directions:

1. Cook the spaghetti al dente according to the package directions. Drain and mix with one jar of spaghetti sauce.


2. Brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic, then add the second jar of sauce and simmer. Season to taste.


3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish.


4. Blend cream cheese, ricotta, egg, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Layer spaghetti, cheese mixture, and mozzarella in the dish.


5. Add the meat sauce, remaining cheeses, and bake for 40-45 minutes. Let it rest before serving, garnished with parsley and basil.

How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Serve warm slices of Baked Spaghetti Casserole on plates with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The gooey cheese and savory meat sauce make it a filling and satisfying dish.

How to Store Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.


• Don’t skip the step of simmering the meat sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.


• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the meat sauce or cheese mixture.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a hearty meatless option.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini instead of spaghetti.


2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.


3. Can I freeze Baked Spaghetti Casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe.