Spaghetti casserole is a comforting, baked pasta dish that combines spaghetti with a savory sauce, cheese, and sometimes ground meat or vegetables. It’s a family favorite because it’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Here’s a recipe for a classic Spaghetti Casserole:
Ingredients:
- For the casserole:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional for extra texture)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for a creamier texture)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Cook the meat sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the casserole:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the ricotta or cottage cheese (if using). Mix well.
- Add the meat sauce to the spaghetti mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Layer and bake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour the spaghetti mixture into the casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- After baking for 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this spaghetti casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be reheated throughout the week.