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Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole
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This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a cozy, filling one-dish meal that combines al dente spaghetti, a savory meat marinara sauce, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or family meals, it’s customizable and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti

Sauce and Meat

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  2. Cook the Meat and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and brown until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  3. Combine Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
  4. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce. Toss gently to coat all strands evenly for consistent flavor.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over it. Layer the remaining spaghetti and top with the remaining cheeses.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese melts and forms a golden crust. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cook the spaghetti slightly under al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
  • Drain fat thoroughly after cooking meat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  • Layer cheese both in the middle and on top for gooeyness throughout.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to set and make slicing easier.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one dish meal, family meal, pasta bake, Italian-American

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole/