Are you searching for a meal that combines convenience with rich, mouthwatering flavors? Look no further than the beloved Baked Spaghetti Casserole. This dish offers everything you love about traditional spaghetti, packed into one delicious, easy-to-serve casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Its layers of hearty ingredients come together effortlessly, making it a surefire hit at your table.
Why We Love This Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a homemade Baked Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a comforting reminder of childhood meals shared with loved ones. The dish is customizable, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. In addition, the recipe is straightforward, meaning you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create something delicious.
Another reason to love this casserole is its ability to feed a crowd effortlessly. At gatherings, everyone finds something they love, and the leftovers are just as enjoyable for lunch the next day. Best of all, most of the prep can be done ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the company of your guests.
Ingredients about Baked Spaghetti Casserole
To whip up your Baked Spaghetti Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1 pound 90 to 92% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce, your favorite brand
- 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, don’t drain
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, about 8 ounces, divided
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole Directions
Creating your Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a simple process. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and coating a 13- by 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a large pot, boil some salted water and add the spaghetti noodles. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This slight undercooking allows the spaghetti to hold up in the oven without becoming mushy.
While the spaghetti is cooking, grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef with the diced onion over medium heat. Use a spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring there’s no pink left. After draining off the excess grease, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and the can of diced tomatoes (juice included). Stir in the chopped parsley and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
Once your spaghetti is done boiling, drain it well and return it to the pot. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss the pasta gently until it’s well-coated. Next, add the beaten egg and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything’s evenly combined.
Now for the assembly! Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer on half of the meat sauce, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese, and then half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
Finally, cover your assemblage with aluminum foil, ensuring the coated side is facing down against the cheese so it doesn’t stick. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes. Remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 5 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short wait allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti Casserole
When it comes to serving your Baked Spaghetti Casserole, less is often more. The dish is hearty and filling on its own, but you can easily round out the meal with a few tasty accompaniments. Consider offering a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or garlic bread for a bit of crunch.
For family-style dining, place the casserole in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. This adds to the relaxed, homey feel of the meal. You can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
For a festive occasion or a special gathering, consider setting out a toppings bar with optional grated cheeses, crushed red pepper flakes, or Italian herbs, allowing each guest to personalize their serving. With this casserole, your guests are sure to enjoy not just the flavors but the camaraderie that comes with shared meals.
Expert Tips: Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Beef Alternatives: If you’re looking to shake things up, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These options provide a leaner protein, while still delivering a delicious flavor.
Make-Ahead Method: You can prepare your Baked Spaghetti Casserole in advance. Assemble the layers as directed, cover tightly with cling wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Remember to cook your pasta until it’s al dente. This ensures it retains its structure and doesn’t become gooey during baking.
Cheese Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix up the cheeses! Aside from mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or even feta for a unique twist.
Add Veggies: Want to up your vegetable intake? Toss in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for added nutrients and flavors.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Storing your Baked Spaghetti Casserole is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
If you wish to keep it longer, you can also freeze your casserole. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor it again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until heated through.
Variation of Baked Spaghetti Casserole
One of the greatest aspects of the Baked Spaghetti Casserole is its flexibility. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying these variations:
Vegetarian Delight: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a delicious meat-free option.
Mexican Twist: Swap out traditional seasonings for taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and use pepper jack cheese to create a Mexican-inspired casserole that packs a spicy punch.
Seafood Surprise: Incorporate shrimp or crab into the layers as a creative twist. A white sauce or Alfredo base can also be used in place of marinara for a creamy variant.
Pasta Variety: While spaghetti is classic, consider using penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a different texture and flavor.
FAQ: Baked Spaghetti Casserole
What is Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious, layered dish that combines spaghetti noodles, ground beef, marinara sauce, and several cheeses, all baked together for a comforting meal.
Can I make Baked Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How long does Baked Spaghetti Casserole last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, Baked Spaghetti Casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What can I serve with Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
We recommend a light side salad and garlic bread to complement the flavors of your casserole.
Turkey Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Spaghetti
- 2 cans Tomato Sauce (15 oz. each)
- 1 lb. Ground Turkey
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Yellow Onion, grated or finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1.5 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated optional
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, then drain.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add grated onion and carrot, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, cover, and steam for a few minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ground turkey. Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking apart until fully cooked.
- Stir in tomato sauce and dried herbs. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Serve turkey sauce over spaghetti.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!