Description

Baked spaghetti casserole is the quintessential comfort dish, marrying tender pasta with a rich, savory meat sauce and a melty cheese topping. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it brings warmth and joy to every table. This easy-to-make recipe allows for ingredient swaps to suit various dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious serving of this cheesy delight.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned and crumbly (approximately 7-10 minutes).
Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning; let simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: To enhance flavor, consider adding bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. For a twist, try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms.