Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Craving a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s both delicious and easy to make?
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is your answer!
Packed with savory meat sauce, melted mozzarella, and a perfect blend of herbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving a satisfying dinner, this dish has you covered with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Plus, it’s always a hit at the dinner table!
For Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Spaghetti – The base of the dish. You can use any type of pasta, but spaghetti is the classic choice for this casserole.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a burst of freshness. You can use dried parsley if fresh isn’t available.
- Mozzarella Cheese – This melty cheese brings all the comfort to the casserole.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a bit of sharp, salty flavor to balance the richness of the mozzarella.
For the Sauce
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage – The main protein of the dish. You can choose lean ground beef or a flavorful Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
- Onion – Adds savory depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavor profile of the sauce with a deliciously aromatic base.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds a warm, herby flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper – Gives the sauce a slight crunch and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- Pasta Sauce or Marinara Sauce – The main sauce that ties everything together. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes – Adds texture and a bit of acidity to the sauce.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty and comforting Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a family favorite that's sure to please everyone around the dinner table. With layers of savory sauce, tender pasta, and a melty cheese topping, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.
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Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients:
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 32 ounces pasta sauce or marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat with the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and bell pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks, and drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with salt to taste. Simmer the sauce uncovered for about 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Mix the cooked spaghetti into the sauce along with the parsley. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Let it cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve.
- Can I use pre-cooked spaghetti?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, just use about 4-5 cups of pre-cooked spaghetti. Skip the boiling step and mix it right into the sauce. - Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before baking for best results. - Can I freeze this casserole?
For sure! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. - How can I adjust the cheese for a lighter version?
If you want a lighter version, you can swap the mozzarella for part-skim mozzarella, or use a smaller amount of Parmesan to reduce the fat while still keeping the flavor. - Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you like, such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them with the meat for extra flavor before adding to the casserole.
