Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Table of Contents
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Discover the ultimate spaghetti casserole recipe that combines the beloved flavors of traditional spaghetti with the convenience of a casserole. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a hearty, cheesy meal that everyone will love.
Description
Are you in search of a delicious and easy to make dish that will please the whole family? Look no further than this scrumptious spaghetti casserole recipe! This dish brings together the classic flavors of spaghetti with rich marinara sauce, hearty ground beef, and a gooey cheese topping, all baked to perfection.
The beauty of a spaghetti casserole lies in its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, swap out the meat for a vegetarian option, or even add different cheeses for an extra flavor boost. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a family reunion, or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, this spaghetti casserole is a go to recipe. It can easily serve a crowd, and everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Nutritional Information
In addition to being delicious, this casserole is filling and nutritious. With protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the spaghetti, it’s a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies to enhance its nutritional profile.
Meal Prep and Storage
One of the great advantages of this spaghetti casserole recipe is that it’s freezer friendly. You can prepare it ahead of time and freeze it, then simply bake when you’re ready to enjoy. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts.
Gather Your Ingredients
To get started on this mouthwatering casserole, you’ll need a few staple ingredients. You probably have most of them on hand, making it a convenient choice for your next meal.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable spaghetti casserole recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian friendly version.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian friendly version.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the baking instructions.
