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Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Easy Cheesy Golden Crust Dinner Idea

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A comforting baked spaghetti casserole with a golden cheesy crust, tender noodles, and a savory blend of tomato sauce, herbs, and cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, browned and drained
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 ounces), part-skim recommended
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce, sprinkle Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, beaten egg, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pasta; it should be al dente as it will bake further. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly. Let the casserole rest before serving to avoid a sloppy texture. Using freshly grated cheese improves melt and texture. For a creamier variation, add ricotta cheese before baking. This recipe is freezer-friendly and can be made ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, Parmesan

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/baked-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-easy-cheesy-golden-crust-dinner-idea/