Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

Spaghetti Casserole takes the crowd-pleasing comfort of classic pasta dishes and transforms them into a bubbling, cheesy, all-in-one meal. It’s loaded with robust flavors from savory ground meat, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly gooey melted cheese—all layered over tender spaghetti noodles. This dish is a go-to option for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or anytime you want to serve up a hearty, budget-friendly meal that leaves everyone satisfied.

Why Spaghetti Casserole is the Ultimate Family Favorite

What makes Spaghetti Casserole irresistible is its clever combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with Italian-inspired flavors layered in every bite. It brings together the simplicity of baked pasta with the depth and heartiness of a layered lasagna, but with less prep time and fewer steps. The result: a golden-topped dish that’s universally loved, easily customizable, and perfect for making ahead or freezing for future meals.

Streamlining Prep for Spaghetti Casserole

Save yourself time in the kitchen by prepping your vegetables efficiently—use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick and even chopping of onions, peppers, and garlic. For browning your ground beef or sausage, achieve perfect results every time with the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, which delivers even heat and makes cleanup a breeze.

When it comes to boiling your pasta, don’t forget to salt the water well to enhance flavor. After draining, give the pasta a light toss with olive oil for optimal texture within the casserole.

Assembling and Baking for the Perfect Casserole

To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup, line your baking dish with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet before you begin layering. This little step will keep the gooey cheese and sauce from creating a stubborn mess.

Layer the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and plenty of cheese in your dish, ending with a generous cover of shredded mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly for that iconic casserole finish.

Serving & Storing Tips for Spaghetti Casserole

For easy, portioned leftovers, transfer extra servings into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup). These containers keep your casserole fresh in the fridge and make reheating a snap for quick lunches and dinners.

Spaghetti casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Consider using a divided salad bowl like the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for lunch or meal prep convenience.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings. Each portion contains roughly 430-500 calories, depending on your choice of ground meat, cheese, and any additional vegetables. Enjoy as a satisfying main dish knowing it packs a balanced combo of protein, carbs, and flavor.

Spaghetti Casserole Recap

With its rich, comforting layers and gooey, cheesy topping, Spaghetti Casserole is guaranteed to win over everyone at the table. It’s practical enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests—a dish you’ll reach for again and again.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. Cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers (chopped with your Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper) until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add the ground beef or sausage; cook, breaking it up until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Mix in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
6. Layer half the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Spoon half the meat sauce over the noodles, then dollop half the ricotta or cottage cheese (if using) and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, sauce, ricotta/cottage cheese, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
9. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Enjoy this ultimate family favorite for dinner tonight—simple, cheesy, and bound to become a staple in your meal rotation!