Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings the rich, savory flavors of Italy right to your dinner table. This dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with hearty beef, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs, all drizzled in a luscious marinara sauce. Each layer melds together beautifully, creating a symphony of taste and texture that will make your taste buds sing. It’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening, and a dish that always leaves your kitchen smelling like a cozy trattoria.

I remember the first time I made this spaghetti casserole; it was for a family gathering where I wanted to impress my loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. The moment it came out of the oven, with the mozzarella bubbling and golden brown, I knew I had a winner on my hands. Not only did it please everyone’s palate, but it also showcased just how easy it is to create something that feels special—even on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try this spaghetti casserole, you’ll want it in your regular rotation!

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole

1. Boil the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 16 oz spaghetti until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, and toss with 1/4 cup softened butter so every noodle is perfectly coated.
2. Cook the beef and veggies: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. Add the diced onion and ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Once fragrant, add 32 oz marinara sauce with 1 cup water. Let it simmer while you prep the cheese mixture.
3. Preheat your oven: Get your oven ready by preheating to 375° F.
4. Mix the cheese blend: In a mixing bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 8 oz softened cream cheese, 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 8 large chopped basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
5. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13 glass baking dish. Add the buttered spaghetti to the dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully spread the cheese mixture over the noodles, then pour the meat sauce on top, smoothing it out evenly.
6. Top it off: Finish with an additional 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce for that irresistible bubbling topping.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese topping until golden.
8. Garnish and serve: Once done, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, cut into 12 squares, and serve hot. Enjoy the smiles as it graces your dining table!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, store any remaining casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours after cooling. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container, and it will stay good for about 3-5 days. If you wish to freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within three months for the best quality. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350° F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, refreshing the flavor as the cheese melts and sauces bubble again.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole not only brings together familiar flavors in a comforting way, but it also makes weeknight dinners effortless and enjoyable. It’s a dish that serves well for both cozy family meals and festive gatherings. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist; whether that’s extra herbs, a kick of spice, or added vegetables, make it your own! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Recipe FAQs

Spaghetti Casserole

Recipe Author: Linsey

This Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and creamy cheeses. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy family meal, everyone will come back for seconds!

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• Prep Time 20 minutes
• Cook Time 105 minutes
• Yield 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt & pepper to taste
• 32 oz marinara sauce homemade or store bought
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 8 large fresh basil leaves chopped
• salt & pepper to taste
• 16 oz spaghetti
• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded (for topping)
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, return to the pot, and toss with butter to coat each noodle.
2. In a large skillet or pot, cook onion and ground beef over medium heat until browned. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add marinara sauce and a bit of water, then let it simmer while you prep the next steps.
3. Preheat oven to 375° F. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
4. Add the buttered spaghetti to a greased 9×13 glass baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then pour the meat sauce on top and smooth it out.
5. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the cheese layer and spread evenly.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese on top.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley, cut into squares, and serve hot.

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Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with your choice of vegetables or meat alternatives.
Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or add more vegetables to the meat sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/12 of the casserole)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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