Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Home cooks, get ready to prepare a delicious, comforting, and straightforward dish that’s perfect for any night of the week: the easy-baked spaghetti casserole. This recipe combines classic spaghetti flavors with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a casserole, bringing convenience and taste together. Even if you’re new to baking pasta, this step-by-step guide will make the process simple and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Minimal preparation and simple ingredients.
- Comfort Food: Perfectly baked with melted cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: Can be customized with various proteins, veggies, and cheeses.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients Table
To make this recipe accessible for home cooks worldwide, I’ve provided measurements in both U.S. and metric units.
| Ingredient | U.S. Measure | Metric Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 12 oz | 340 g |
| Ground beef or sausage | 1 lb | 450 g |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 2 cloves |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups | 480 ml |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | 410 g |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp | 15 g |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz | 115 g |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | 120 g |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups | 200 g |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup | 50 g |
| Salt | To taste | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste | To taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 15 ml |
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Tip: Cooking the pasta just to al dente ensures it won’t become overly soft after baking. You can add a splash of olive oil to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth. This mixture adds a creamy texture to the casserole, making it more indulgent.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Dollop and spread the creamy cheese mixture over the sauce layer.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Tip: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish the baked spaghetti casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness.
Variations & Tips
- Protein Options: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
- Vegetarian Version: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach instead of meat.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant to make the dish heartier.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
Storing & Reheating
Storing Leftovers
Once the casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing for Later
This dish is perfect for meal prep! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
Reheating Tips
To reheat leftovers, you can microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Nutritional Information
Approximate nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why is my casserole watery?
This can happen if the pasta was overcooked or if the sauce contains too much liquid. Make sure to drain the canned tomatoes well and cook the sauce until it thickens.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it as mentioned above.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
- Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot complements the hearty flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet delectable baked spaghetti casserole that brings together the best of comfort food in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning meals for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Easy to prepare, customize, and store, it’s a must-try for pasta lovers.
Try it today, and let the warm, cheesy layers bring a touch of comfort to your dinner table!
