I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite cheesy spaghetti casserole recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part?
It’s made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand already. I remember my mom making this for us when I was a kid, and it was always a treat.
She’d let me help her in the kitchen, and I loved watching the cheese melt and the pasta bake in the oven. As I got older, I started making it for my own family, and now it’s a regular in our rotation of meals.
My kids love helping me with the prep work, and they can’t get enough of that gooey cheese on top. It’s just one of those comfort foods that never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole
4.5 from 1414 votes
A comforting baked spaghetti casserole layered with a rich tomato meat sauce and three types of cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using.
8Season with salt and black pepper.
9Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
10In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
11Stir until well blended and set aside.
12Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
13Arrange half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce.
14Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella.
15Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and finally the remaining mozzarella cheese.
16Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
17Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
18Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
19Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and part-skim mozzarella. The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; increase baking time by 10 minutes if baking from cold.
This cheesy spaghetti casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner night or a special event with friends. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully when needed.
For storage ideas, consider dividing leftovers into individual portions and freezing them for future meals. When reheating leftovers, be sure to stir occasionally until hot throughout.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole
Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
A: You can use any type of pasta you like, but I find that spaghetti or linguine works best. The long strands hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully. You can also use other types of pasta, like penne or farfalle, if you prefer.
Q: Can I use low-fat cheese instead of cheddar?
A: While low-fat cheese is a great option for those watching their calories, I find that it doesn’t melt as well as regular cheddar cheese. If you want to reduce the fat content, you could try using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese instead.
Q: How long does it take to cook this casserole?
A: This casserole takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook through. You’ll need to cook the pasta according to package instructions before assembling the casserole, then bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! Simply assemble the casserole without baking it, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake it. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly! However, if you’re using a store-bought meat substitute or sausage, be sure to check the ingredients list for any animal by-products.
Q: How do I store leftover casserole?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating leftovers, make sure they’re heated through until hot and steaming before serving.
Chinese chicken wings are a flavorful dish featuring crispy baked wings coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occas…
These spicy grilled prawns are marinated in a fiery blend of chili, garlic, and lime, then grilled to perfection. They are smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor….
A quick and flavorful Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and nutty soba noodles tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner,…
Crispy golden tilapia fillets seasoned with a blend of spices and fried to perfection. This quick and easy recipe delivers a crunchy exterior with tender, flaky…
