Introduction
This Ultimate Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect combination of tender spaghetti, rich ground beef marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of golden melted cheese. It is an easy, comforting family dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, potlucks, and gatherings.
Recipe Overview π
| Recipe Detail | Information |
| Prep Time β±οΈ | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time π³ | 35 minutes |
| Resting Time β³ | 15 minutes |
| Total Time π | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Yield π½οΈ | 8β10 servings |
| Category π₯ | Main Course / Casserole |
| Cuisine π | Italian-American |
| Difficulty β | Easy |
Ingredients π
Pasta & Meat ππ₯©
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| π Spaghetti | 16 oz (1 lb) |
| π₯© Lean ground beef | 1Β½ lbs (680 g) |
| π Marinara sauce | 48 oz (2 large jars) |
| πΏ Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| π§ Salt | To taste |
| π€ Black pepper | To taste |
Creamy Cheese Layer π§
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| π§ Ricotta cheese | 15 oz (425 g) |
| π₯ Large egg | 1 |
| π§ Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| π§ Shredded mozzarella | 4 cups (400 g), divided |
| π§ Parmesan cheese | Β½ cup, grated |
Step-by-Step Instructions π©βπ³
Preheat the Oven π‘οΈ
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Lightly grease a deep baking dish or a standard 9Γ13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook the Spaghetti π
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti about 2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Brown the Beef π₯©
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
Make the Meat Sauce π
Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir well and simmer over low heat for 5β10 minutes.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture π§
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Β½ cup of the mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Start Layering π
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti and spread it evenly.
Add the Ricotta Layer π₯£
Spread the entire ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, creating an even creamy layer.
Complete the Casserole π
Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Make sure the pasta is well covered with sauce.
Add the Cheese π§
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake π₯
Bake uncovered for 25β30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
For an extra golden cheese crust, broil for 2β3 minutes, watching carefully.
Rest and Serve β³
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
Best Tips π‘
Cook the spaghetti slightly less than usual because it continues cooking while the casserole bakes. This keeps the pasta tender without becoming mushy.
Let the casserole rest before serving. Cutting it immediately can cause the layers to slide apart and make the dish difficult to portion.
For the best cheese topping, shred mozzarella directly from a block. It melts more smoothly and creates a better cheese pull.
Best Ingredient Options β
Use a flavorful marinara sauce because it provides much of the casseroleβs overall taste. A rich tomato-based sauce works particularly well.
For the beef, 90/10 ground beef provides plenty of flavor while limiting excess grease. You can also combine ground beef with mild Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
Whole-milk ricotta creates the creamiest filling, while cottage cheese can be used as a lighter alternative.
Recipe Variations πΆοΈ
For a vegetable version, sautΓ© diced onions, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or spinach with the ground beef before adding the sauce.
For a lighter casserole, replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken and use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta.
For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce and replace some of the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese.
What to Serve With π₯
Serve this rich casserole with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed green salad with Italian dressing for a refreshing contrast.
Warm garlic bread or breadsticks are also perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinara sauce.
Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or garlic-Parmesan green beans make excellent vegetable sides.
Make-Ahead Instructions π
Assemble the casserole completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.
When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake from the refrigerator. Add approximately 15 minutes to the baking time.
Storage π₯‘
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or covering the baking dish tightly.
Refrigerate for 4β5 days.
Reheating π₯
For individual portions, place a serving on a microwave-safe plate. Add a few drops of water, cover loosely, and microwave for 1β2 minutes, or until heated through.
For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for about 20 minutes.
Freezing βοΈ
This casserole freezes well either baked or unbaked.
Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
For the best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid π«
Avoid leaving excess grease in the ground beef because it can make the casserole oily and affect the texture of the cheese topping.
Do not overcook the spaghetti before baking. Starting with soft pasta can result in a mushy casserole.
Make sure the top layer of pasta is completely covered with meat sauce and cheese. Exposed noodles can become dry and crunchy.
Do not skip the resting period. Allowing the casserole to rest helps the layers hold together when sliced.
Nutrition Estimate π
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories β‘ | 520 kcal |
| Protein πͺ | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates π | 48 g |
| Fat π₯ | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat π§ | 11 g |
| Sodium π§ | 890 mg |
| Fiber πΎ | 4 g |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions β
Can I use another type of pasta? π
Yes. Penne, ziti, rigatoni, and fusilli are all excellent alternatives to spaghetti.
Can I replace ricotta cheese? π§
Yes. Cottage cheese makes an excellent substitute. For a smoother filling, blend it briefly before combining it with the egg and seasonings.
Can I leave out the egg? π₯
Yes, although the egg helps the ricotta layer set and hold together. If omitted, the filling may be softer.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? π
Absolutely. Assemble it up to 48 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
Final Thoughts π
Ultimate Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and budget-friendly dinner that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying family meal. With layers of spaghetti, savory beef marinara, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, potlucks, and cozy family dinners.
β οΈ This recipe may not be suitable for everyone, so it is advisable to consult a doctor.