Baked spaghetti casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. This recipe takes classic spaghetti and elevates it into a hearty casserole that’s baked to perfection. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti Casserole:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the parsley.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Spaghetti: Spaghetti is a type of pasta that is long, thin, and cylindrical. It is made from durum wheat and water, and is a staple in Italian cuisine.
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in many dishes, including casseroles, burgers, and meat sauces. It adds flavor and protein to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that is flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs. It is commonly used in Italian cooking and adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
- Cheese: Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese are used in this recipe to add flavor and create a cheesy, gooey texture. They melt beautifully and add a delicious finishing touch to the casserole.
