Name: Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese; 1 egg; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

I can’t tell you how many times this Baked Spaghetti Casserole has come to the rescue when I needed something hearty, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd. It’s that dish I turn to when I want comfort on a plate—with all the richness of spaghetti, but baked to perfection with layers of melty cheese, savory sauce, and pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor.

For me, it’s the golden, cheesy crust on top that seals the deal. It’s not just spaghetti—it’s spaghetti transformed. The kind of meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something memorable. Whether I’m feeding my family or dropping off a tray to a friend, this casserole always gets rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This dish hits that perfect balance between cozy and convenient. It’s easy to make ahead, great for freezing, and even better the next day. The textures are everything—from tender spaghetti and rich meat sauce to the gooey, bubbly cheese on top. You’ll love how flexible it is too—use what you have on hand and make it your own.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use for Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

I usually stick with classic long spaghetti noodles, cooked just until al dente so they hold up during baking. You want the strands to have a bit of bite—they’ll soften more in the oven as they absorb all that flavorful sauce. If you only have thin spaghetti or even linguine, those can work too. The key is to avoid overcooking the pasta before it goes into the casserole dish.

Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti are great alternatives if you have dietary preferences. Just be sure to drain well and toss with a little olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together before layering everything up.

Options for Substitutions

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can swap in different ingredients based on what you have on hand—or what your taste buds are craving.

Meat: I usually go with ground beef, but ground turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative all work beautifully. Want to go meatless? Load up on mushrooms and spinach for a veggie version.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that perfect stretch, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Cottage cheese or ricotta both work in the creamy layer—use what you love.
Sauce: Jarred marinara saves time, but homemade sauce makes it extra special. You can even sneak in extra veggies like shredded zucchini or carrots for a nutritional boost.
Add-ins: Bell peppers, onions, olives, or roasted garlic can be stirred into the sauce to amp up the flavor and texture.

Ingredients for This Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole brings something essential to the table—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that cheesy, comforting factor we all love.

Spaghetti: The heart of the dish, it holds everything together and soaks up the sauce as it bakes.
Ground Beef: Brings savory depth and a hearty, meaty bite to the layers.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base and make the sauce taste homemade, even if you use a jar.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that ties everything together—store-bought or homemade both work great.
Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: This creamy layer adds contrast to the meat and pasta, making every bite extra comforting.
Egg: Mixed into the cheese layer to help it set and hold its shape after baking.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top and adds that gooey, golden-brown finish everyone loves.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps the top crisp up perfectly.
Olive Oil: Just a bit to cook the onions and garlic and bring out their flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance everything and bring balance to the dish.
Italian Seasoning (optional): For a little extra herby kick in the sauce or sprinkled on top before baking.

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti just until al dente—usually 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain it well and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning if you like.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), a beaten egg, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy. This layer gives the casserole a lasagna-like richness that balances out the meat and pasta.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Add half the spaghetti, then spread the cheese mixture evenly on top. Pour over more meat sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella, and repeat the layers. Finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing so everything sets up nicely.

How Long to Cook Baked Spaghetti Casserole

You’ll want to bake the assembled casserole at 375°F (190°C) for about 40 to 45 minutes total. Start by covering it with foil for the first 25 minutes to lock in moisture, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes to get that beautifully golden, bubbling cheese layer on top.

If you’re baking it straight from the fridge (after assembling it ahead of time), add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the total baking time to make sure it heats through evenly.

Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Cook the pasta al dente: It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooked noodles are best to avoid a mushy casserole.
Drain the meat well: This keeps the casserole from turning greasy or watery.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent that gooey melt we all want.
Let it rest before slicing: Give the casserole at least 10 minutes after baking to firm up—it’ll slice cleaner and hold its shape better.
Season in layers: Lightly season each component—pasta water, meat sauce, and cheese mix—for better overall flavor.
Customize it: Add chopped veggies or swap the meats to suit your taste.
Grease the baking dish: A light brush of oil or cooking spray will make cleanup much easier.
Double it up: This recipe is freezer-friendly, so consider making two—one for now, one to stash away for a busy night.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Baked Spaghetti Casserole is pretty forgiving, a few small missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the pasta: If it’s too soft going in, it can turn mushy after baking.
Skipping the rest time: Cutting into it too soon can make it fall apart—give it time to set.
Using watery sauce: A thin sauce can make the whole dish soupy. Let your sauce simmer to thicken before layering.
Forgetting to season: Taste as you go—bland sauce or under-seasoned cheese layers will bring the whole thing down.
Too much cheese on top too early: If it browns too fast, it can dry out—add extra cheese midway if needed.
Uneven layering: Try to distribute each layer evenly for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Not draining the beef properly: Extra grease can pool at the bottom of the dish.
Skipping the oil on noodles: Without it, the spaghetti can clump together and make layering tricky.

What to Serve With Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons bring a refreshing balance to the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli in olive oil and herbs, then roast for a colorful side.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze pair beautifully with the cheesy casserole.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Mini mushrooms filled with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese are a great appetizer or side.

Lemon Asparagus

The brightness of lemon adds a fresh contrast to the savory casserole.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Quick and healthy, this side rounds out the meal without overpowering the main dish.

A Glass of Red Wine

A nice Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors and makes it feel like a cozy Italian dinner night.

Storage Instructions

Baked Spaghetti Casserole stores incredibly well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers.

Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings until warmed through.
Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and then plastic wrap (or place in a freezer-safe container) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat Entire Casserole: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes, or until heated through.

If you’re planning ahead, you can even assemble the whole thing and freeze it unbaked—just add about 15 minutes to the baking time straight from the fridge.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on a casserole cut into 8 portions):

Calories: 460
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 760mg

Keep in mind, nutrition values will vary depending on the specific brands and ingredient swaps you use. You can always adjust for lower fat or lower carb by using leaner meat, whole grain pasta, or low-fat cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Baked Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Absolutely. Prepare it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge or bake from frozen—just increase the bake time by 15–20 minutes.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until hot. Individual portions can be microwaved—just add a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is classic, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne or rotini. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente before assembling.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Definitely. Skip the meat and load the sauce with chopped mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a great substitute. If you prefer a richer flavor, mix in a little cream cheese or mascarpone for extra creaminess.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Cover it with foil during the first part of baking to keep in moisture. Also, don’t skimp on the sauce—make sure there’s enough to coat all the layers.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or make two casseroles side-by-side. It’s a great option for parties, potlucks, or feeding a big family.

Conclusion

Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, satisfying, and totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a busy week, or sharing with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so it’s just a click away next time, and share it with your family and friends—because no one should miss out on a dish this good.