Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction:

If you’re craving comfort food with a cheesy twist, this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate family favorite! Combining everything you love about spaghetti — tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese — this dish takes it a step further by baking it all into one hearty casserole. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is easy to make, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day. Get ready to turn a classic into a showstopper!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   Stir in minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

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4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with most of the meat sauce (reserve 1 cup for topping). If using ricotta, mix it in here for a creamy texture throughout.

5. Assemble the Casserole:
   Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan. Add the remaining spaghetti, top with the reserved sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

6. Bake Until Golden:
   Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

7. Cool and Serve:
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food — easy, hearty, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a big family or saving leftovers for busy days, this recipe never disappoints. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for the ultimate Italian-American feast. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — and keeps them coming back for seconds!