Introduction:
The Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending the coziness of spaghetti with the heartiness of a baked casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, this dish takes the familiar flavors of pasta, sauce, and cheese, then bakes them into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. It’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd, use up leftovers, and enjoy a make-ahead meal that can easily be reheated.
Ingredients
For the pasta base:
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the meat sauce:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the cheese layers:
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain.
Toss with eggs, Parmesan, and melted butter to help bind the pasta into a firm base.
2. Prepare the meat sauce
In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spread the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom.
Layer half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
Dollop ricotta (or cottage cheese) over the sauce.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
4. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
Make it creamy: Add a layer of béchamel sauce between the pasta and meat sauce.
Veggie version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
A crisp green salad with Italian dressing balances the richness.
Serve with a glass of red wine or iced tea for a complete meal.
Conclusion
The Baked Spaghetti Casserole is more than just pasta — it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy layers, savory sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite. Easy to prepare ahead of time, versatile with substitutions, and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s the perfect recipe to add to your family’s dinner rotation.