Introduction
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that turns classic spaghetti into a rich, oven-baked meal layered with sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional: fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella.
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish.
Top with half of the meat sauce, then repeat layers.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cheddar or Parmesan on top.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Description
This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The pasta is coated in savory sauce and layered with creamy cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.
Tips
Cook spaghetti slightly underdone so it doesn’t become mushy.
Let casserole rest before slicing for clean servings.
Use whole-milk cheeses for creamier texture.
Add extra sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.
Variations
Vegetarian: Skip meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Chicken Spaghetti: Replace beef with cooked shredded chicken.
Extra Cheesy: Add cream cheese or more mozzarella.
Make-Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Correction
If casserole is dry: Add more sauce or a splash of pasta water.
If too watery: Bake uncovered a few extra minutes.
If cheese browns too quickly: Cover loosely with foil.
Enjoy
Enjoy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole with garlic bread and a fresh green salad. This comforting dish is perfect for busy nights, leftovers, or feeding a crowd.