Directions for Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, remaining ricotta mixture, remaining meat sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet for preparing the meat sauce
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- Spatula or large spoon for serving
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheese blend. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add unique flavors to the casserole.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Baked Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Food and Drink Pairings
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. For drinks, consider serving a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a non-alcoholic option like sparkling water with a splash of lemon. A light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet or a slice of angel food cake, makes a perfect ending to this hearty meal.