Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that combines the best of pasta and cheese under a bubbly, golden top. This simple dish is perfect for anyone craving a cheesy, savory dinner that’s both filling and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving up a family dinner on a chilly evening or prepping a satisfying meal for guests, this casserole will hit the spot.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup diced yellow onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
2 teaspoons dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces spaghetti
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, 1½ cups of water, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
While the sauce simmers, break the spaghetti into thirds.
Combine the uncooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese.
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 176mg
Potassium: 235mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 198 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 143mg
Iron: 1mg

What Makes Baked Spaghetti Casserole So Special?

Baked spaghetti casserole stands out because it’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it also delivers an abundance of flavors in every bite. The layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheeses make this dish irresistible. The texture of baked spaghetti casserole is another reason why it’s so popular—it offers a crispy, golden top with tender, comforting layers beneath.

Unlike traditional spaghetti dishes, the casserole format gives the ingredients time to meld together, making every serving full of rich flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s both satisfying and filling. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering, a dinner party, or just making a weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

The Origins of Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Casseroles, including baked spaghetti casseroles, have a long history in American cuisine. This dish is a variation of classic spaghetti, which itself is an Italian dish known worldwide. Italian immigrants brought their pasta traditions to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adapting the dish to American tastes by incorporating more locally available ingredients. Over time, pasta dishes like spaghetti and lasagna became staple comfort foods in the United States, and the baked spaghetti casserole emerged as a natural extension of those dishes.

Baked spaghetti casseroles are often considered a quintessential American comfort food, with each region putting its own spin on the recipe. Many variations of this dish can be found across the country, whether it’s adding vegetables, using different kinds of meats, or incorporating alternative cheeses. Despite the variations, the essence of baked spaghetti casserole remains unchanged—simple, hearty, and delicious.

Why You Should Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole

There are several reasons why you should consider making baked spaghetti casserole the next time you’re planning a meal. Here are a few of the key reasons why this dish is worth the time and effort:

Ease of Preparation: Unlike many other pasta dishes that require multiple steps, baked spaghetti casserole is straightforward to prepare. You don’t need to worry about cooking each ingredient separately—just layer it all together and bake!
Affordable Ingredients: The ingredients for this dish are usually inexpensive and easy to find at most grocery stores. With staples like pasta, ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, you can create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Versatility: You can customize the recipe to fit your family’s tastes. Want to make it vegetarian? Just omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables. You can also switch up the cheese or sauce for different flavors.
Make-Ahead Meal: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or large gatherings. You can even freeze it for later use.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love pasta and cheese, and the baked spaghetti casserole is no exception. Its cheesy, savory goodness is perfect for picky eaters who might turn their noses up at a traditional pasta dish.
Feeds a Crowd: The large portion size of this casserole makes it ideal for family dinners, parties, or gatherings. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe if you’re hosting a large group, and you’ll likely have leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Key Ingredients in Baked Spaghetti Casserole

While baked spaghetti casserole typically features a few key ingredients, there’s always room for variation. At its core, the dish relies on pasta, meat, cheese, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. However, depending on your preferences, you can incorporate vegetables, herbs, or other flavorings to make the dish even more delicious.

Here are the primary ingredients found in most baked spaghetti casseroles:

Pasta: Spaghetti is the most common pasta used for this dish, though other long pasta varieties like fettuccine or penne can also be used. The pasta is boiled until al dente and then combined with the sauce before baking.
Ground Meat: Ground beef is a popular choice for the meat sauce, but you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
Tomato Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce provides the foundation for the casserole. This can be made from scratch using fresh tomatoes or by using canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings.
Cheese: A combination of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese is what gives baked spaghetti casserole its signature creamy, cheesy texture. The mozzarella melts perfectly during baking, creating a gooey, golden crust on top.
Seasonings: Dried oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper are commonly used to season the dish. You can also add fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for a bit of extra flavor and heat.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Making baked spaghetti casserole is straightforward, and you don’t need to be an expert chef to pull it off. After cooking the spaghetti and preparing the meat sauce, you simply layer everything in a baking dish, top it with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. The result is a deliciously comforting casserole that will make everyone at the table smile.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

Cook the ground meat until browned, and add onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Stir in the tomatoes and seasonings, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken.
Boil the spaghetti until just al dente, then drain and combine it with the meat sauce.
Layer the spaghetti mixture in a baking dish, topping it with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake the casserole in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly, and the cheese has melted into a golden crust.

Creative Variations of Baked Spaghetti Casserole

While the classic version of baked spaghetti casserole is delicious, there are many ways to customize it based on personal tastes. Here are some ideas for different variations:

Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version of the casserole, substitute the ground beef with vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for added texture.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: If you’re a fan of cheese, consider using different types of cheese in your casserole. Gouda, cheddar, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist to the dish. For a creamier texture, mix in a little cream cheese or sour cream.
Spicy Baked Spaghetti Casserole: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or spicy sausage to the sauce. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish an extra kick.
Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti. You can also use a gluten-free bread crumb topping for extra crunch.
Extra Veggies: Add a variety of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant to the casserole for added nutrition. This will also give the dish a unique flavor profile and make it even more hearty.

Health Benefits of Baked Spaghetti Casserole

While baked spaghetti casserole is traditionally a comfort food, it can still offer some health benefits when made with the right ingredients. The dish is a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Protein: The ground beef provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. If you opt for lean ground beef or substitute it with turkey or chicken, the protein content can be even higher.
Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes, a key ingredient in the meat sauce, are a great source of vitamins A and C, which help to boost the immune system. Additionally, cheese provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Fiber: If you include vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions in your casserole, you’ll add fiber, which is important for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Serving Suggestions

Baked spaghetti casserole is hearty enough to be served as a main dish on its own. However, you can pair it with a variety of sides to round out the meal. Here are some ideas for delicious accompaniments:

Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect side to serve with baked spaghetti casserole. Its crispy texture and flavorful garlic make it an ideal complement to the dish.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to add a burst of freshness to the meal. The crispness of the salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts, are a great addition to the plate, providing a healthy and colorful contrast to the casserole.
Wine Pairing: Pairing your baked spaghetti casserole with a glass of red wine, such as a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, can elevate the meal and enhance the flavors.

Conclusion

Baked spaghetti casserole is an incredibly versatile, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that appeals to people of all ages. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. By following a few simple steps, you can create a meal that combines the best of pasta, cheese, and meat, making it a true comfort food classic.

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