Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Classic Comfort Food: Rich meat sauce, gooey cheese, and pasta baked together make for ultimate comfort.
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One-Dish Meal: Combines protein, carbs, and cheese in a convenient casserole.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
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Customizable: Easily adapted with different meats, cheeses, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 ounces spaghetti
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups marinara sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Stir in m
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, half of the mozzarella, and all ricotta cheese. Mix well.
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Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half the Parmesan and mozzarella over it. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, then top with the remaining cheeses.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a meat substitute.
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Cheese Variations: Use provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
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Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or olives for added nutrition.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and check sauce ingredients.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in portions or whole casserole in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well too.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as substitutes.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking and avoid overbaking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Use plant-based meat and cheese alternatives.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild by default; add chili flakes for heat if desired.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, fresh basil or parsley adds great flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned for lunches or dinners.
Can I use pre-made sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
Conclusion
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty cheese in one satisfying bake. Easy to make and adaptable to your preferences, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. With leftovers that reheat beautifully, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal that layers tender spaghetti with savory meat sauce and melty cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This easy and customizable casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, delivering classic Italian-American flavors everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups marinara sauce
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown ground beef . Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-10 minutes.. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened. Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-10 minu
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, half the mozzarella, and all ricotta cheese.
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Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease baking dish. Spread half the spaghetti mixture in dish, sprinkle half the Parmesan and mozzarella. Layer remaining spaghetti mixture, then top with remaining cheeses.
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Bake: Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake 10-15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley or basil, and serve.
Notes
Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms or veggies for vegetarian version.Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina.Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or olives for extra nutrition.Use gluten-free pasta and sauce for gluten-free option.Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.Reheat covered in oven or microwave before serving.
