Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This baked spaghetti casserole recipe has become a FAVORITE at my house!  It’s so creamy and yummy…. and the BEST part is that it tastes even better when reheated!  Perfect for a quick reheat for lunch!

Easy Dinner: The BEST Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole EVER!

The little man is CRAZY about this spaghetti goodness!

Looking to impress your friends and family with a unique twist on a classic Italian dish?

Baked spaghetti casserole is the answer! This delightful and satisfying meal combines the goodness of pasta, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese into one delicious casserole.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through an irresistible baked spaghetti casserole recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into the world of flavors and learn how to create this delectable dish!

Make this recipe even easier by using your favorite jar spaghetti sauce!

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Before we start, gather these essential ingredients for your baked spaghetti masterpiece:

• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound of ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or vegetarian meat alternative)
• 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

How to Make Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create your baked spaghetti:

Step 1: Preparing the Spaghetti

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. If using a meat substitute, follow the instructions on the package.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

Note: If you prefer to use a jar pasta sauce, you can skip adding in the tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Just add your jar of pasta sauce to the browned ground beef.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. If using a meat substitute, follow the instructions on the package.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Assembling the Baked Spaghetti

• Take a baking dish and spread a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom.
• Add half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, spreading it out evenly.
• Pour half of the remaining sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring it covers the noodles completely.
• Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Serve your baked spaghetti while it’s still warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors! This dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. It’s also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home.

Baked spaghetti casserole is a fantastic way to elevate a classic pasta dish into a cheesy and delicious casserole that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

By following our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering baked spaghetti casserole that will become a family favorite. So, grab your apron and give this recipe a try. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible combination of tender pasta, savory sauce, and melty cheese.

Happy cooking!

Printable Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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