This Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting dish full of pasta, gooey cheese, and tasty sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in!
Who doesn’t love a meal that comes together in just one pan? I enjoy how easy it is to throw everything together and let the oven do the magic—clean-up is a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This recipe shines with classic spaghetti. If you’re looking for a twist, try penne or rotini, which hold the sauce and cheese beautifully. Whole wheat spaghetti is another healthier option!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for added flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works too. For a meatless version, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta brings a creamy texture. If you can’t find it, consider cottage cheese blended until smooth. A vegan option could be silken tofu mixed with a little lemon juice for tang.
Cheese: I always mix mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor and gooeyness. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheeses, or go dairy-free with vegan cheese alternatives!
Italian Seasoning: This mix adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, combine dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs are also fantastic if you have them on hand.
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole Layers Stay Perfect?
Layering is crucial in this baked spaghetti casserole for getting a balanced flavor in every bite. Here’s how to layer like a pro:
- Start with a layer of spaghetti, which acts as the base to soak up all the juicy goodness.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly, ensuring each noodle gets that creamy touch.
- Add the meat sauce. Let it touch the noodles but don’t drown them; keep some cheese for the top!
- Finish with cheese layers, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This melts together beautifully.
Thanks to these steps, all the flavors blend while keeping the structure intact. Be patient while baking—it needs that time to develop flavors!
Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Meat:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes in the oven. So, set aside about 1 hour total for a comforting and cheesy meal to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Cook the Pasta:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is warming up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should be tender but still have a little bite). After cooking, drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later.
2. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat so that your casserole isn’t greasy.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook these together until the onion is translucent, which usually takes around 3-5 minutes. This will add a nice flavor to your dish!
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps to blend all the flavors together beautifully. Then, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be one of your casserole layers!
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Grab a large baking dish and layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Next, spread half of your ricotta mixture over the spaghetti. Follow this by adding half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
7. Repeat the Layers:
Time to repeat the layering! Add the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and top it all off with the last of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. It’s going to be cheesy and delicious!
8. Bake the Casserole:
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake it for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Your kitchen should smell amazing!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to serve. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and then it’s ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta Instead?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta! For whole wheat, just cook it a couple of minutes less than the package suggests, as it tends to become softer. For gluten-free pasta, ensure that you closely follow the cooking instructions, as they may differ from traditional spaghetti to avoid mushiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the meat and add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute for added texture and protein.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Assemble it completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven—add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
