Description

This Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of al dente spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses are baked to bubbly, golden perfection. The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a luscious, melty topping that pairs beautifully with the rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces spaghetti 🍝

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey 🥩

1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅

2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️

Salt and pepper to taste 🧂

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce 🍅

1/2 cup water 💧

1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 🧀

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌱

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, along with 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, then layer half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

For added flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage (if desired).
Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti to fit dietary needs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
This casserole freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes