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Baked Spaghetti Casserole
This cozy and cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole from deesviral is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a hearty mix of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese — perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Recipe Details
- Author: deesviral
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
- Course: Main Dish
- Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, pasta bake, cheesy spaghetti
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce or marinara
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and mix with Parmesan cheese. Add cooked noodles and toss to coat.
- Spread half the noodles in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the meat sauce, spoon over sour cream or ricotta (if using), then sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Too dry? Add a bit more sauce before baking or cover with foil for the first 20 minutes.
- Want more veggies? Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- No ricotta? Skip it or substitute with sour cream for creaminess.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. This casserole also freezes well — assemble it ahead, freeze unbaked, and bake from frozen (add 15–20 extra minutes to baking time).
Why This Recipe Works
The egg and Parmesan coating helps the pasta hold its shape, while the layers of meat sauce and cheese keep everything moist and flavorful. It’s a family-favorite blend of lasagna and spaghetti — simple, satisfying, and easy to customize.
Expert Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Double the recipe and bake in two smaller pans — freeze one for later!
