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Spaghetti casserole

Name: Spaghetti casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef, preferably 85/15 blend for optimal flavor and moisture; 1 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente according to package directions; 2 (24-ounce) jars high-quality marinara sauce, divided for layering; 3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided for multiple layers; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor depth; 1 large yellow onion, finely diced for aromatic base; 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed for maximum flavor distribution; 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth for binding; 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese for extra creaminess; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend for authentic flavor; 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste for proper seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for depth; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for sautéing

4.8/5

20 reviews

65min Total Time

8 people Servings

Easy Difficulty

Budget Cost

450 kcal Calories

Spaghetti went to a party and came back baked.

Video

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Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef, preferably 85/15 blend for optimal flavor and moisture
1 pound spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente according to package directions
2 (24-ounce) jars high-quality marinara sauce, divided for layering
3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided for multiple layers
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor depth
1 large yellow onion, finely diced for aromatic base
4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed for maximum flavor distribution
2 large eggs, beaten until smooth for binding
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese for extra creaminess
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend for authentic flavor
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste for proper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for depth
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center for even heat distribution

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions suggest

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent

Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until well-browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon

Season the meat mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine thoroughly

In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese

Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the egg mixture, tossing well to coat all noodles evenly

Layer half the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly

Top with half the meat mixture and half the remaining marinara sauce

Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, meat, and sauce

Cover the top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese

Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown, and casserole is bubbling around edges

Kitchen Tools

9x13 inch baking dish for even cooking and proper portion size
Large pot for cooking pasta efficiently
Heavy-bottom skillet for browning meat evenly
Colander for draining pasta properly
Wooden spoon for breaking up ground meat

Chef's Tips

Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set properly

Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor

Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin out sauce if needed

Troubleshooting

If too dry, add additional warm marinara sauce while serving

If too wet, let stand longer before serving to set

If cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil during baking

If noodles are too firm, cover and bake additional 10 minutes

Recipe Variations

Mexican style: Use taco seasoning and Mexican cheese blend

Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and vegetables

Seafood version: Substitute meat with shrimp and scallops

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes and spicy Italian sausage

Healthy Alternatives

Use whole wheat spaghetti for increased fiber and nutrients

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat content

Add finely diced vegetables like carrots and zucchini to boost nutrition

Use part-skim cheese options to lower overall fat content

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-American meal

Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs

Offer additional grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes at the table

Include a side of warm marinara sauce for those who prefer extra sauce

Nutrition Facts

450

Calories

28g

Protein

48g

Carbs

18g

Fat

Fiber

Sugar

780mg

Sodium

85mg

Cholesterol

Dietary Info

Can be adapted for gluten-free diets using alternative pasta

Vegetarian version possible with meat substitutes

Low-carb version can be made with zucchini noodles

Dairy-free adaptable using non-dairy cheese alternatives

Garnish Ideas

Fresh basil leaves chiffonade for color and aroma

Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Chopped fresh parsley for brightness

Red pepper flakes for optional heat

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months

Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until heated through

Leftover Ideas

Make individual portions for quick microwave lunches

Create grilled spaghetti sandwiches with leftovers

Add extra sauce when reheating to maintain moisture

Use in stuffed peppers for a creative second meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta before baking, resulting in mushy texture

Not allowing enough time for the casserole to rest before serving

Using cold ingredients straight from the refrigerator which affects baking time

Skipping the egg mixture which helps bind everything together

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, any melting cheese works well in this recipe

How do I know when it's done?

Cheese should be golden and edges bubbling

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, sautéed vegetables work great in this dish

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Heat covered in oven at 350°F until warm

Reviews

Sarah M.

Mar 11, 2026

Perfect comfort food! My family requests this weekly now.

Michael P.

Mar 19, 2026

Great recipe but needed extra seasoning for our taste.

Jennifer B.

Mar 6, 2026

Better than traditional spaghetti! Love the cheesy layers.

Robert K.

Mar 8, 2026

Solid weeknight dinner option that pleases everyone.

Linda T.

Feb 22, 2026

Amazing make-ahead meal for busy families.

David W.

Feb 27, 2026

Good basic recipe that I modified with more spices.

Emma C.

Feb 24, 2026

Perfect for potlucks! Always get recipe requests.

Thomas H.

Feb 23, 2026

Great comfort food that reminds me of mom's cooking.

Rebecca L.

Feb 20, 2026

Easy to make and absolutely delicious!

William N.