There’s something incredibly comforting about a big dish of baked spaghetti casserole. It’s one of those meals that wraps you in warmth, perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor that everyone will love. With layers of hearty spaghetti, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, it hits all the right notes! Once you serve it up, you’ll see smiles all around the table. Let’s dive into making this delicious baked spaghetti casserole together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this baked spaghetti casserole a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti: This is the star of the show! Make sure to use regular spaghetti, not whole wheat for that classic texture.
- 1 lb ground beef: I usually go for lean ground beef to keep things flavorful without being overly greasy.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Any brand you love will work, but I personally adore a good homemade marinara if I have time!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds a creamy richness! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooier, the better! I recommend whole milk mozzarella for that perfect melt.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty flavor that everyone loves. Freshly grated is always a treat!
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A delicious blend of herbs that will elevate your casserole. You can also mix your own with oregano, basil, and thyme!
- Salt to taste: Don’t be shy—seasoning is key! Just add it gradually to suit your palate.
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked pepper gives a lovely kick, so sprinkle it in as you like.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, you’re well on your way to a mouth-watering baked spaghetti casserole! Let’s keep the momentum going and dive into the preparation steps next!
How to Prepare Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s get cooking! This baked spaghetti casserole comes together quickly and easily. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference in getting that golden, bubbly top!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remember, you don’t want it mushy since it’ll bake further in the casserole!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks for maximum flavor. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish, but leave enough for richness!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Be sure to combine everything thoroughly so each bite is packed with flavor. You want that creamy goodness to coat the pasta evenly!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish and pour the beef and marinara sauce over the top. Give it a gentle stir to combine, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Don’t forget to check for doneness!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a hearty baked spaghetti casserole, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here are the estimated nutritional values for one serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on common ingredients used. Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re getting a balanced meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will adore.
- Hearty ingredients come together for a filling meal that satisfies.
- One-dish convenience means less cleanup for you!
- Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to make your baked spaghetti casserole truly shine! First, try adding some chopped bell peppers or onions to the beef for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to lighten things up, swap the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative. And don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s what makes this dish so irresistible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your baked spaghetti casserole, let any leftovers cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. No one likes dry pasta, so avoid the microwave if you can!
FAQ Section
Got questions about baked spaghetti casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to swap in penne or fusilli for a fun twist.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese works great too! It gives a similar texture and taste.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble everything a day in advance, just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What about vegetarian options? You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms instead!
Print
Baked Spaghetti Casserole: 5 Steps to Comforting Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty baked spaghetti casserole that’s easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add marinara sauce to the beef and stir well.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef and marinara mixture to the spaghetti mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, spaghetti, casserole, Italian
