Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty oven-baked pasta dish made with tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This easy family dinner is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, holidays, and weeknight meals. The pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce while baking, creating a rich, cheesy casserole with a perfectly golden top. It's freezer-friendly, easy to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy both children and adults. Every bite is packed with comforting Italian-American flavors.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti and pour the remaining meat sauce over everything.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the spaghetti just until al dente.
- Freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace the beef.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.