Baked Spaghetti Casserole

ChatGPT said:

​Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful fusion of classic spaghetti and hearty casserole, combining tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese into a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Classic: This casserole brings together the familiar flavors of spaghetti with the convenience of a baked dish.​
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.​
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easily prepared in advance, allowing for stress-free meal planning.​
• Customizable: Versatile ingredients enable you to tailor the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs.​

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti​Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+1
• 1 pound ground beef​Reddit
• 1 small onion, chopped​Salt & Lavender+2Reddit+2Allrecipes+2
• 2 cloves garlic, minced​
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce​
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained​
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning​
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste​
• 1 cup ricotta cheese​
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese​
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese​
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)​

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.​
2. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.​
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.​
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.​
   • Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.​
   • Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the spaghetti layer.​
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the ricotta.​
   • Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, followed by the meat sauce, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.​
5. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.​
6. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.​Allrecipes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes​Southern Living+7Allrecipes+7Valerie’s Kitchen+7
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes​Spend With Pennies+1Salt & Lavender+1
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour​Allrecipes

Variations

• Protein Options: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.​
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutritional content.​
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend to suit your taste preferences.​
• Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce to introduce some heat.​

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.​
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months.​
• Reheating: Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.​

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli, which hold sauces well and provide a different texture.​

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.​

How can I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?

Ensure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly, as the pasta will absorb some moisture during baking. Covering the casserole with foil during the initial baking time also helps retain moisture.​

Is it necessary to cook the pasta before baking?

Yes, cooking the pasta until al dente before baking is essential, as it ensures the pasta achieves the proper texture and doesn’t become mushy.​

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. For a smoother texture, consider blending the cottage cheese before layering it into the casserole.​

How can I add more flavor to the meat sauce?