Introduction
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms classic spaghetti into a hearty baked casserole layered with rich sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this easy baked spaghetti recipe delivers familiar flavors with oven-baked goodness.
Origin
Baked pasta dishes trace their roots to Italian cuisine, where pasta is often finished in the oven with cheese and sauce. In American home cooking, baked spaghetti casseroles evolved as a convenient way to feed families using pantry staples while creating a warm, satisfying meal.
Cultural Significance
Cheesy baked spaghetti casseroles are a staple of American comfort food culture. They are frequently served at family gatherings, school events, and community dinners due to their affordability, ease of preparation, and universal appeal.
Ingredients and Quantities
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Ingredients (6–8 servings)
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Additions
- Sliced mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Ricotta cheese for extra creaminess
Tips for Success
- Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushy texture
- Drain excess grease from meat
- Use a blend of cheeses for richer flavor
- Cover with foil if top browns too quickly
- Let casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices
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. Brown ground beef with onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to prepared dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Add remaining spaghetti mixture and top with remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Description
This cheesy baked spaghetti casserole is rich, hearty, and satisfying. The pasta stays tender while absorbing the savory sauce, and the melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping. It is classic comfort food made even better in casserole form.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
Values vary based on meat and cheese selection.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a dependable, family-friendly meal that turns everyday ingredients into a warm, filling dish. Easy to prepare and easy to love, it is perfect for feeding a crowd or planning ahead.
Recommendation
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for future meals.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
- Use whole-wheat spaghetti for added fiber
- Choose lean ground meat or turkey
- Reduce cheese slightly without losing flavor
- Add vegetables for nutritional balance
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