Name: Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) spaghetti; 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spaghetti casserole is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its delicious layers of seasoned pasta, savory ground meat, and gooey melted cheese. It’s an all-in-one dish that combines the best elements of spaghetti and lasagna, without all the fuss. The casserole is easy to prepare, and the baking process enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd and can be customized to suit your preferences, from adding extra veggies to using different types of cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or preparing a meal in advance, this spaghetti casserole is the perfect choice.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) spaghetti
1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Stir until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom.
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the spaghetti, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetarian Spaghetti Casserole: Substitute the ground meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a hearty, plant-based version.
Spicy Spaghetti Casserole: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
Italian Sausage Spaghetti Casserole: Use ground Italian sausage instead of beef or turkey for a flavorful twist.
Gluten-Free Spaghetti Casserole: Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free without compromising on taste.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, top the casserole with a layer of garlic bread crumbs or toasted breadcrumbs before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover spaghetti casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day or two in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.

2. Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Yes, you can swap the ricotta for cottage cheese or use other melting cheeses like cheddar or provolone in place of or in addition to the mozzarella.

3. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

Make sure to cover the casserole with foil while baking, and don’t overbake it. The moisture from the sauce and cheeses will keep it from drying out.

5. Can I make this dish with ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute gluten-free pasta for the regular spaghetti, and you’ll have a gluten-free version of this casserole.

7. Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of canned tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use jarred pasta sauce if you prefer. Just make sure it’s your favorite type of sauce, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

8. How long should I bake the casserole?

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes covered with foil, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.

9. Can I freeze spaghetti casserole?

Yes, spaghetti casserole freezes very well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and wrap it tightly for best results.

10. How do I make the top of the casserole extra crispy?

For a crispy top, uncover the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking, and you can even add some breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy texture.

Conclusion

This spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the classic elements of spaghetti with the convenience and heartiness of a casserole. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it ahead of time for a busy day, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

Spaghetti Casserole