Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Easy Dinner Nights is all about taking the stress out of mealtime, especially for busy families. Whether you’ve had a long day or just need something quick, I’ve got you covered with simple, delicious recipes that everyone will love. From one-pot meals to 30-minute dinners, I focus on fast, flavorful dishes that require minimal effort but deliver big results. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table in a snap!

Like this Baked Spaghetti Casserole, which is a family favorite. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.

    Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Layer the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and meat sauce, mixing well.

    In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture. Spread half of the ricotta or cottage cheese over the top, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.

  5. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole: Grocery List Ready! 🍝🛒

Craving a cheesy, comforting dinner that’s easy to throw together? This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is perfect for family meals and cozy weeknights. Check out the shoppable grocery list below to grab everything you need for this delicious one-dish wonder! 👇

Shop the Ingredients:

  • Spaghetti Pasta

  • Ground Beef or Italian Sausage

  • Marinara Sauce

  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

  • Parmesan Cheese

  • Onion Powder

  • Garlic Powder

  • Olive Oil: [Link to olive oil on Amazon]

Grab these ingredients and make a family-favorite meal that’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to prepare! Perfect for busy nights or weekend gatherings. 🍽️

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