Irresistible Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Baked spaghetti casserole is the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out. Imagine a warm, cheesy embrace filled with rich tomato sauce, perfectly baked pasta, and a sprinkle of herbs that make your taste buds dance. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready to warm your heart and fill your belly.

This delicious baked spaghetti casserole brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter echoed through the kitchen while the aroma wafted around like an inviting hug. Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in, this dish guarantees to turn any gathering into a feast full of joy and satisfaction.

I remember the first time I made baked spaghetti casserole for my friends. Their excited faces said it all as they devoured every last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Use standard or whole wheat spaghetti; both cook beautifully and hold up well in the casserole.

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for flavor without excess grease; feel free to substitute turkey if preferred.

• Marinara Sauce: Choose a quality store-bought marinara or homemade; it adds depth and richness to the dish.

• Cottage Cheese: Creamy cottage cheese adds moisture while providing protein; you can use ricotta if you’re feeling fancy.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella for extra gooeyness; it’s a must-have melty ingredient in this recipe.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs brings out authentic Italian flavors; fresh herbs can also be substituted if available.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your casserole; adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps things from sticking and adds a subtle flavor boost when browning the meat.

• Onion and Garlic: Sautéed onion and garlic create a fragrant base that makes everything taste better.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking when you pop in that glorious casserole.

Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. The sweet aroma will make your neighbors jealous.

Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet with sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until browned through, breaking it apart as it cooks—about 5-7 minutes should do.

Add Marinara Sauce & Seasoning: Pour in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors before letting it simmer for about 10 minutes so everything mingles nicely.

Mix Pasta & Cheeses Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and just enough love. Mix until thoroughly combined—you want every noodle coated!

Layer & Bake!: In a greased baking dish, layer half of your pasta mixture followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers ensuring you save some mozzarella for topping! Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top—a glorious sight indeed!

This baked spaghetti casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Bon appétit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the spaghetti al dente, then prepare your sauce while it cooks. Mix everything together and layer in a baking dish for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add vegetables like spinach and bell peppers. Personalize each bite to suit your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the cheese remains melty.

It’s funny how this recipe became my go-to during family gatherings; my cousin once declared it “the best thing since sliced bread” after devouring two helpings!

FAQ

What can I use instead of spaghetti?

You can substitute penne or rotini if you prefer shorter pasta shapes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate until baking time.

What toppings can I add to enhance flavor?

Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic touch.

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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

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Baked spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and gooey cheese, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this dish not only warms the heart but also satisfies your taste buds with every bite. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your favorite ingredients, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone returning for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, and pepper until coated.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the meat sauce; repeat layers saving some mozzarella for topping.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 casserole (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg