Description
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
12 oz (340g) spaghetti, cooked
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
½ cup (120ml) beef broth
1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Mix the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley before serving. Enjoy!
#BakedSpaghetti #CheesyPasta
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
2. Build the Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Reduce heat to medium, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Simmer & Combine: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Add the drained, cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly until every strand is coated. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. For extra flavor, sprinkle optional red pepper flakes over the cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
6. Final Touch: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly for cleaner serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before dishing out.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a soft, warm dinner roll is perfect for scooping up every last bit. For a vegetable-forward side, try roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans.
How-to Summary
Cook spaghetti al dente. Brown beef with onion and garlic. Add seasonings, tomatoes, sauce, and broth; simmer. Combine sauce and pasta in a greased dish. Top with cheeses. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until golden. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely (through the cheese topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are excellent substitutes as their shapes hold sauce well. Ensure you cook them to al dente.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative work wonderfully. Adjust seasoning if using a pre-seasoned sausage.
My casserole seems dry. What happened? The pasta may have absorbed too much liquid. Ensure you include all the juices from the canned tomatoes and the beef broth. For a saucier result, consider adding an extra ¼ cup of broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the spaghetti before baking, as it will become mushy in the oven—aim for al dente. Do not skip draining the excess fat from the cooked beef, as it can make the final dish greasy. Finally, resist the urge to skip the simmering step for the sauce; this 10-minute window is crucial for developing depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing, cheesy masterpiece. It’s forgiving for weeknights yet impressive enough for company. With the ability to customize proteins, adjust spice levels, and make it ahead, this recipe is sure to become a trusted favorite in your regular rotation. Dig in and enjoy the delicious, layered flavors of this classic dish.