Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s become a staple in my household: the best Spaghetti Casserole you’ll ever taste! It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with the comforting warmth of a casserole. Perfect for quick family dinners or even a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it a great addition to your 30-minute meals repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of pasta, meat, and cheese in one dish
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Great for weeknight dinner ideas
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Comforting and satisfying
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Spaghetti Casserole:
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering Spaghetti Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things started.
- Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add your favorite marinara sauce to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, the beef and sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to make your Spaghetti Casserole even better:
- Add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the ground beef for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese like ricotta or provolone for a unique twist.
- If you’re looking for more ground beef meal ideas, try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the beef.
- For a creamy garlic pasta variation, mix in some garlic butter into the spaghetti before combining it with the beef and sauce.
How to Serve
Serving your Spaghetti Casserole is as easy as it gets:
- Slice it into generous portions and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Planning ahead? No problem!
- You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
There you have it, folks! A delicious, easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick ground beef recipes or just a hearty meal to please the whole family, this Spaghetti Casserole is sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to check out some of our other ground beef recipes, like the Hobo Casserole or the Korean Ground Beef Bowl, for more tasty meal ideas. Happy cooking!
Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
main
- 1 lb ground beef
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned, breaking into small pieces.
- Stir in tomato sauce, bring to a simmer, and let sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine cooked spaghetti and meat sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
