A simple and delicious baked spaghetti casserole that combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for added creaminess)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce. If using ricotta cheese, add it to the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the spaghetti.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
This easy baked spaghetti casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s comforting, cheesy, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
