Baked Spaghetti Casserole – SouthernRambles

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, family-style dish that layers tender pasta with savory meat sauce and creamy cheeses, then bakes until bubbly and golden. It combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the structure of a casserole, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort Food – Familiar Italian-inspired flavors in a baked format.
Cheesy and Satisfying – Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan create creamy, melty layers.
Easy to Prepare – Simple steps and everyday ingredients.
Great for Feeding a Crowd – Serves generously in a 9×13-inch dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Freezer-Friendly – Ideal for meal prep or busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole

12 ounces spaghetti (or favorite pasta) – The hearty base of the dish.
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – Provides rich, savory flavor.
1 onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances aroma and flavor complexity.
24 ounces marinara sauce – Brings moisture and tomato richness.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds herbaceous balance.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates a gooey, melty topping.
1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds creamy texture throughout.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Delivers salty, nutty finish.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – For garnish and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or sausage) with chopped onion for 5–7 minutes until browned and softened. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more until fragrant. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add the Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Combine the Mixture

In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with meat sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly coated.

Layer the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish and top with half of the mozzarella. Add remaining spaghetti mixture and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Rest and Serve

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente – Prevents over-softening during baking.
Drain Excess Fat – Keeps casserole from becoming greasy.
Add Extra Vegetables – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach blend in easily.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Let It Rest Before Serving – Helps the layers set for cleaner slices.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Calories: Approximately 450–550 calories per serving

Perfect Pairings

Garlic bread or breadsticks – Complements the saucy layers.
Simple green salad – Adds freshness and balance.
Roasted vegetables – Provides texture contrast.
Iced tea or red wine – Enhances the hearty flavors.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate – Store covered up to 4 days.
Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat – Bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Assemble Ahead – Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Creative Variations

Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
White Sauce Version – Replace marinara with Alfredo for a creamy twist.
Three-Meat Blend – Combine beef, sausage, and ground turkey.
Extra Cheesy Layer – Add provolone or fontina between layers.
Low-Carb Option – Substitute spaghetti squash for pasta.

Troubleshooting

Dry Casserole – Add extra marinara or a splash of pasta water before baking.
Watery Texture – Avoid overcooking pasta and drain meat thoroughly.
Uneven Browning – Broil briefly at the end for a golden top.
Cheese Overcooked – Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.

Why This Recipe Works

Baked Spaghetti Casserole succeeds by combining starch, protein, fat, and acid in balanced proportions. The pasta absorbs flavorful meat sauce while ricotta adds creaminess and structural stability. Mozzarella melts into stretchy layers, and Parmesan contributes umami depth. Baking allows flavors to meld while the cheese forms a cohesive top layer, creating a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers classic Italian-inspired comfort in every bite. Its layered texture, rich sauce, and cheesy topping make it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll return to again and again.