If you're looking for a delicious and hearty meal that's easy to prepare, then a baked spaghetti casserole is a great choice! This classic comfort food dish is made with layers of tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce. The flavors blend together perfectly and the result is a meal that's sure to please the whole family. Plus, it can be prepped in advance and refrigerated or frozen for later.
To make a delicious baked spaghetti casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cook a pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's no longer pink. Add in one finely diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional two minutes. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, one-half teaspoon of salt, and one-quarter teaspoon of black pepper and stir until combined.
Next, add two cans of tomato sauce and one can of diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add one pound of spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water, and set aside.
Now, it's time to assemble the casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the cooked spaghetti noodles. Top the noodles with half of the ground beef sauce. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, layer the rest of the noodles over the cheese and top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle one more cup of mozzarella cheese on top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This baked spaghetti casserole is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. It's also a great make-ahead dish that can be refrigerated or frozen for later. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a baked spaghetti casserole?
To make a baked spaghetti casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cook a pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's no longer pink. Add in one finely diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional two minutes. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, one-half teaspoon of salt, and one-quarter teaspoon of black pepper and stir until combined. Next, add two cans of tomato sauce and one can of diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the pan from the heat and set aside. While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add one pound of spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain the noodles, rinse them with cold water, and set aside. Now, it's time to assemble the casserole. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the cooked spaghetti noodles. Top the noodles with half of the ground beef sauce. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, layer the rest of the noodles over the cheese and top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle one more cup of mozzarella cheese on top and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
How long should I bake the spaghetti casserole?
The spaghetti casserole should be baked for a total of 40 minutes. The first 30 minutes should be covered with aluminum foil, and then the foil should be removed for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Can I freeze the spaghetti casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the casserole in the freezer for up to three months.
Can I make the spaghetti casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the spaghetti casserole ahead of time. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the casserole?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for the casserole. You can use any type of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a richer flavor.
What should I serve with the spaghetti casserole?
The spaghetti casserole is delicious served with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
