Irresistible Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe to Try Now

There’s something magical about the aroma of baked spaghetti casserole wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug in food form, with layers of cheesy goodness, tender pasta, and a rich sauce that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Picture this: you walk into your home after a long day, and the scent hits you like an old friend saying, “Welcome back! I’ve got dinner ready.”

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or simply when you want to treat yourself to something heartwarming. The anticipation builds as it bakes, creating a golden crust that promises a delightful crunch on top with gooeyness underneath. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!

I remember the first time I made baked spaghetti casserole; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. One even said it was “the best thing since sliced bread,” and who doesn’t love bread?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat spaghetti depending on your dietary preference for added fiber.

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful without too much grease.

• Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for better melting; it’s worth the extra effort!

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings depth to the flavors; don’t skip this essential ingredient.

• Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped onion and minced garlic add aromatic depth to the meat mixture.

• Eggs: These help bind everything together beautifully, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some on top before baking for a deliciously crispy finish.

• Olive Oil: Use it to sauté; it adds richness and helps prevent sticking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil for easy cleanup later.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic just before removing from heat.

Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if necessary for a lighter dish.

Add Marinara Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning. Stir well until everything is coated with that luscious sauce.

Cook Spaghetti al Dente: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente—this prevents mushiness later when baking. Drain and set aside.

Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with meat sauce mixture, beaten eggs, and half of both cheeses until evenly combined. Transfer everything into your greased baking dish.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Top with remaining cheddar and sprinkle parmesan cheese over everything. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And voilà! Allow your masterpiece to cool slightly before serving—if you can resist! This baked spaghetti casserole is sure to be a hit at dinner tables everywhere!

Now that you’ve created this delightful dish, gather around your dining table with loved ones (or enjoy it solo while binge-watching your favorite show). Every mouthful brings comfort wrapped in nostalgia—a true crowd-pleaser that warms both hearts and bellies. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta al dente, then layer it with sauce and cheese in a casserole dish for even melting.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out meats or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.

Sharing my first experience making baked spaghetti casserole brings back fond memories of my friends’ ecstatic reactions—it vanished faster than I could say “seconds!”

FAQ

Can I make baked spaghetti casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What type of cheese works best for baked spaghetti casserole?

Mozzarella and cheddar blend well, offering gooey deliciousness and flavor.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti casserole?

Definitely! Freeze before baking, then simply thaw and bake when you’re ready.

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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

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Baked spaghetti casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the family together with its layers of tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and gooey cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, offering customization options based on your pantry staples. With its enticing aroma filling the kitchen, this casserole promises to be a favorite at every dinner table.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
3. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning until well combined.
5. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
6. In a bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with meat sauce mixture, beaten eggs, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer to the greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar and sprinkle Parmesan over it.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg