Baked Spaghetti Casserole: Easy Family Dinner
Oh my goodness, I just love this Baked Spaghetti Casserole! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. My kids ask for it all the time. The pasta gets all cozy with the meat sauce.
And that melted cheese on top? Pure magic! I think what I love most is how easy it is to make. You just layer everything and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something yummy fast.
Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day. Trust me, this Baked Spaghetti Casserole will become your new favorite dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll grab to make this yummy comfort food. Check the recipe card below for how much of each thing you need.
- Spaghetti pasta: This is your base that makes the dish nice and hearty.
- Ground beef: Adds meaty flavor and makes everyone feel full and happy.
- Marinara sauce: Gives you that classic tomato taste with herbs mixed in.
- Cream cheese: Makes everything creamy and rich in the middle layer.
- Sour cream: Adds a nice tangy taste that goes great with the cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts on top and gets all bubbly and golden. YUM!
- Parmesan cheese: Brings that extra cheesy flavor that everyone loves.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Ready to make this delicious dish? Just follow these easy steps. Your family is going to love it!
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the pasta in your big pot with 4 quarts of salted water. Cook for 9-10 minutes until it’s just tender. Then drain it well.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Cook the ground beef in your skillet on medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s all brown.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce with your cooked beef. Turn the heat down to low. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes so the flavors mix together.
Step 4: Prepare Cheese Mixture
Mix cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl. Use 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir until it’s nice and smooth.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spread half the spaghetti in your greased baking dish. Then spread that creamy cheese mixture on top. Make sure it covers everything evenly.
Step 6: Add Meat Sauce
Pour the meat sauce over the creamy layer. Spread it out nice and even. Then add the rest of your spaghetti on top of that.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan all over the top. Use 2 cups mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Cover every bit so it gets golden and bubbly!
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. You’ll see it turn golden brown on top. It smells amazing! Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after you take it out. This helps everything set up nice. Then you can cut perfect pieces to serve.
Tips for the Best Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Want your casserole to turn out perfect every time? Here are my best tips!
- Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it a little firm because it cooks more in the oven.
- Drain meat well: Get rid of extra grease so your casserole isn’t oily.
- Room temperature dairy: Take the cream cheese and sour cream out early so they mix more easily.
- Cover if browning fast: Put foil on top if the cheese gets too brown before it’s done.
- Let it rest: Wait a bit before cutting so the layers stay nice and neat.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Try these fun swaps and changes!
- Ground turkey or chicken: Use these instead of beef if you want something lighter and healthier.
- Italian sausage: This adds more flavor and spice than regular ground beef. So tasty!
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini instead. Still super yummy!
- Different cheese blends: Try cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy flavor that you might like better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Put it together and cover it up tight. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then just bake it when you’re ready.
How do I store leftover baked spaghetti casserole?
Put leftovers in a container with a lid. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Heat them up in the microwave when you want more.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! Wrap it really well in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before you bake or reheat it.
What should I serve with baked spaghetti casserole?
Garlic bread is perfect! A crisp salad works great too. Green beans or roasted veggies make it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Sure thing! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work really well. They hold onto the sauce nicely and taste delicious in this dish.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly. The edges get a little brown. You can also check that it’s 165°F inside with a thermometer.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cook onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with your meat. It adds more nutrition and makes every bite even more flavorful and colorful.
Why is my casserole watery?
Make sure you drain your pasta really well. Get rid of the grease from the meat, too. Let it sit after baking so liquids soak back in.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray your baking dish so nothing sticks when you bake it later.
- Boil spaghetti in salted water like the box says until it’s just tender, then drain all the water out really well.
- Cook ground beef in your skillet on medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go, for 8-10 minutes until it’s all brown.
- Pour out extra grease, then mix in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and let it bubble on low for 5 minutes.
- Mix softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until it’s smooth with no lumps left in it at all.
- Put half the cooked spaghetti in your baking dish as the first layer of your yummy casserole.
- Spread the cream cheese mix on top of the spaghetti, making sure it goes all the way to the edges of the dish.
- Pour your meat sauce over the cream cheese layer and spread it out, then put the rest of the spaghetti on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese all over the top so it covers everything and will get nice and golden.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden brown, and everything is hot all the way through at 165°F.
- Take it out and let it sit for 10 minutes so the layers set up and you can cut nice neat pieces.
Notes
- Fresh shredded cheese melts better than the bagged kind that has stuff added to it.
- You can make this a day early and keep it in the fridge; just bake it 10 minutes longer.
- Freeze it before baking for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before you bake it.
- Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different taste.
- Add cooked mushrooms, peppers, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies and nutrition.
