Go Back
Delicious baked spaghetti casserole topped with cheese and herbs

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This baked spaghetti casserole combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and lots of melty cheese, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 pound spaghetti Cook until just shy of al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey Browned and drained
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
Cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella Plus 1 cup for topping
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan Plus a little extra for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, then drain well.
  3. In a large pan, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, then drain excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the marinara sauce and dried oregano, adding salt and pepper to taste. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce in a large bowl, then stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
  3. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  4. Top with an additional cup of mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta, it will finish cooking in the oven and stay firm. Drain pasta well to avoid a watery casserole. Let the casserole rest to make it easier to serve. For added heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.