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Spaghetti casserole in a casserole dish.
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5 from 1 vote

Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti Casserole is comforting, hearty, and filled with creamy cheese and a homemade beef sauce. Plus, it comes together easily and quickly!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling Time10 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 506kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Spaghetti Noodles
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 1 24 ounce jar Pasta Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 cup Water
  • 2 large Eggs beaten
  • 5 tablespoons Butter melted
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese
  • 4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Basil chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Place the ground beef in a large skillet on medium heat to brown it. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the skillet, then set it aside. Remove the fat from the pan, but don’t rinse or clean it.
  • Return the skillet to your stovetop and heat the olive oil. Add the onions and sauté over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, or about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomato pasta sauce to the pan along with the Italian seasoning and water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook for 10 minutes. Add the browned meat to the mix and stir to combine.
  • In a pot, add 2 tablespoons of salt to 4 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente or 10-12 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
  • Return the meat to the sauce and let it simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes.
  • Add the melted butter and eggs to the spaghetti and toss to coat.
  • Spread 1 cup of the beef sauce on the bottom of your casserole dish making sure to spread it all the way to the edges.
  • Then layer with half of the noodles. Add half of the remaining sauce so that the spaghetti is completely covered.
  • Spoon the ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle on half of the mozzarella. Layer the remaining pasta, then the sauce, and then the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover your Spaghetti Casserole with tin foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15-20 more minutes. Let the casserole set for about 10 minutes before slicing it. Serve with Parmesan and a bit of fresh basil on top!

Notes

  • Make it vegetarian. Use bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead of meat.
  • Use a different type of meat. Replace the beef with ground turkey or chicken, or even Italian sausage.
  • Serving suggestions. Serve with your favorite salad and garlic bread to really round out this meal.
 

Storage and or Freezing Instructions

  • Make-ahead instructions: You can make this spaghetti casserole recipe up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate. Then, follow the baking instructions.
  • Freezing instructions: Assemble your spaghetti bake and cover tightly in tin foil before placing it in the freezer, where it will keep for 3-4 months. Allow it to defrost in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
  • Storage instructions: Store this easy baked spaghetti casserole recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 678IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 341mg | Iron: 2mg