Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Spaghetti Casserole – layers of meat sauce, spaghetti, tomato sauce and cheese.  All baked up in the comfort of a 9 x 13 casserole.  Easy and delicious, your family will love it!

This delicious casserole feeds a crowd and then some.   I love to make this up on a Friday night so we don’t have to cook all weekend.  Love my Friday night music and cooking sessions!

Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti Casserole –

• Spaghetti – we use Angel Hair or Cappelini which give it a much lighter feel but regular old spaghetti will do the trick.
• Ground Beef – or ground chicken or turkey.  Sausage is a great addition too.
• Onion – yellow or white
• Garlic – minced
• Marinara Sauce – one large 32 ounce jar.  You can also substitute a 32 ounce can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce with one teaspoon each of  oregano and basil added in.
• Grated Cheese – any kind you love.

How to make Baked Spaghetti Casserole –

Start with ground beef, chicken or turkey.  93/7 ground chicken is usually my choice.  You can cut a few calories with 100% fat free ground turkey but it tastes like a paper plate.  Ever eat a paper plate?  Ya me either, not starting now….

PRO TIP:  First step –  start the water boiling for the pasta before browning the beef.  This step alone will reduce your time at the stove by about 15 minutes.  

Using a large skillet cook the ground meat and onion until crumbly and cooked through.  Add the marinara and 1/2 cup of broth or water.  Simmer for 10 minutes while your pasta is cooking.

How to layer Spaghetti Casserole:

Spread 1/3 of the meat sauce on the bottom of your favorite 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Top with half of the cooked spaghetti, 1/2 of the cheese and repeat ending with cheese- thats it!  In the oven it goes.

This casserole is ready for the oven with just a few minutes assembly time.

Can I use other shaped pasta in this spaghetti casserole?

• We love to use angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti for this casserole.  It makes a lighter meal.
• You can also sub any pasta, penne, macaroni, linguine…any will work!

 Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

• Absolutely!  Prepare this casserole a day in advance.  Refrigerate and when ready to cook bring to room temperature.
• Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Can I freeze this Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

• Yes!  Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.  Thaw and reheat at 325 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

This makes a hearty lunch the next day as well.  The casserole that keeps on giving!

More easy casseroles for you….

Healthy Mexican Casserole 

Sunday Night Cheese and Chicken Casserole

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!

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To casseroles that feed the people we love!

LET’s EAT!

Kathi and Rachel

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This Baked Spaghetti Casserole will quickly become a family favorite!  We love how it is made with simple ingredients and feeds a crowd!

4.67 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Kathi & Rachel

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti angel hair or thin spaghetti are great substitutes to keep it light
• 1 pound ground beef ground chicken or turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 32 oz Marinara Sauce or crushed tomatoes that have been seasoned with oregano and basil
• 1/2 cup water or stock
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to boil.
• Cook pasta according to package directions. Careful not to overcook as it will continue to cook in the oven. Al Dente is best.
• In large skillet brown ground meat and chopped onion. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the marinara and 1/2 cup of water or stock to the ground beef and onion. SImmer for 10 minutes.
• Butter a 9 x 13 dish.
• Cover the bottom of the dish with 1/3 of the meat sauce. Top with half the pasta and 1/2 cup of cheese. Repeat ending with cheese.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes until warmed through and bubbly!

Notes

• Substitute angel hair or thin spaghetti for a lighter version.
• Use one 32 ounce of store bought marinara in place of the crushed tomatoes if desired.
• If using full fat ground beef, drain all but two tablespoons of the grease after browning. 

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 995mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 302mg | Iron: 3.4mg