Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: Comfort Food at Its Finest

ByEmma

There’s something magical about a casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, warms your soul, and makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. And when that casserole involves spaghetti? Well, you’ve got a winner. Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true Spaghetti Casserole Recipe—a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a little comfort on your plate.

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Casserole

Let’s be real: spaghetti is already a crowd-pleaser. But when you bake it into a casserole, something extraordinary happens. The flavors meld together, the cheese gets gloriously gooey, and the edges crisp up just enough to make every bite a little adventure.

This recipe is:

  • Easy to make: No fancy techniques here—just good, simple cooking.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap out the meat, or make it vegetarian.
  • Perfect for leftovers: It reheats like a dream, so you can enjoy it all week long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty dish:

  • 12 oz spaghetti (break it in half for easier mixing)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both for extra flavor)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (trust me, this adds creaminess)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Pro Tip: If you want to sneak in some veggies, toss in a handful of spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. They’ll blend right in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it, but don’t rinse it—you want that starchy goodness to help bind the casserole later.

Pro Tip: Break the spaghetti in half before cooking. It makes mixing and serving so much easier!

Step 2: Brown the Meat

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef or sausage (or both!) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors marry.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheeses are well distributed.

Pro Tip: If the mixture seems a little dry, add a splash of pasta water or a bit more marinara sauce. You want it to be saucy but not soupy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with an extra handful of mozzarella cheese—because more cheese is always better.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Step 5: Let It Rest (If You Can)

I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

This Spaghetti Casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, here are a few ideas:

  • Garlic bread: Because carbs on carbs is never a bad idea.
  • A crisp green salad: For a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
  • A glass of red wine: Because you deserve it.

Storing and Reheating

This casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Pro Tip: You can also freeze this casserole! Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my go-to Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It’s hearty, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cozy comfort food, this dish has got you covered.

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