Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Table of Contents
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This Spaghetti Casserole recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of pasta, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and ground beef into a mouthwatering, hearty dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, a family meal, or even a potluck, this Spaghetti Casserole recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With layers of tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting meal that will satisfy your cravings. You can easily customize this casserole by adding vegetables or swapping the ground beef for other proteins like turkey or chicken. This recipe is also freezer friendly, making it perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Spaghetti Casserole recipe is a go to recipe that will never disappoint.
Description:
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this spaghetti casserole recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of tender spaghetti noodles, a savory ground beef mixture, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a flavorful and filling dish. It’s a great option for families, and its make ahead nature is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
The base of this casserole consists of cooked spaghetti noodles that are tossed in a flavorful ground beef and tomato sauce mixture. After layering the noodles and sauce, it’s topped with a generous amount of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. As the casserole bakes in the oven, the cheese melts and forms a golden, bubbly crust on top, creating a delicious contrast to the soft pasta and savory sauce below. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and delicious.
One of the best parts about this spaghetti casserole recipe is its versatility. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a leaner option, swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative. For those who enjoy a little extra heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños can give the casserole a spicy kick.
This casserole also has the added benefit of being freezer friendly. If you have leftovers or want to prepare a batch in advance, simply cover the casserole and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just bake it directly from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Not only is this Spaghetti Casserole recipe a crowd pleaser, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious homemade meal in no time. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. And with the bonus of being a great leftover dish, it’s a win win for busy families or anyone looking for a meal that lasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine spaghetti and sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti noodles with the beef sauce mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, distributing them evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes:
- Make ahead option: This Spaghetti Casserole recipe can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezer friendly: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
- Vegetable additions: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese variations: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine spaghetti and sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti noodles with the beef sauce mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the spaghetti and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, distributing them evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Make ahead option: This spaghetti casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Freezer friendly: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
- Vegetable additions: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese variations: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a unique twist.
