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A baked spaghetti casserole in a glass dish, showing melted and slightly browned cheese.

The Ultimate Easy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This cheesy baked spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with savory meat sauce and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead freezer meals!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, italian-american
Servings 8
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot – For boiling spaghetti
  • Colander – To drain the cooked pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan – To cook the meat and sauce
  • Mixing bowl – For combining pasta, sauce, and cheese
  • 9x13 inch casserole dish – For baking the casserole
  • Aluminum foil – To cover the dish while baking
  • Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring
  • Oven mitts – For safely handling hot cookware
  • Sharp knife & cutting board – For chopping onion, garlic, and any optional vegetables
  • Cheese grater – If grating fresh cheese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb spaghetti cooked al dente
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or sausage or plant-based meat
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Optional ½ cup cream cheese
  • Optional 1 cup chopped mushrooms or spinach
  • Optional Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
    Ingredients laid out for making spaghetti casserole.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
    Close-up of spaghetti casserole sauce being stirred in a pot.
  • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional vegetables. Simmer 8–10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine spaghetti with meat sauce and half the mozzarella and parmesan.
  • Spread into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Add cream cheese dollops if using.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
    Unbaked spaghetti casserole in a glass baking dish topped with shredded cheese.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Keyword 3 ingredient banana bread, baked spaghetti casserol, baked spaghetti casserole, freezer meal