If there’s one dish that feels like home on a chilly evening, it’s a baked spaghetti casserole. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and convenience — layers of spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of crisp on top.
This version is quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this easy baked spaghetti casserole never disappoints.
How This Recipe Came to Life
This recipe started as a way to use up leftover spaghetti. One night, instead of reheating it plain, I mixed it with sauce, added a layer of cheese, and baked it until bubbly. It turned out so good that it became its own dish — now, I make it on purpose instead of by accident.
It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with that classic Italian aroma and has everyone asking, “When’s dinner ready?”
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the spaghetti base:
- 12 oz spaghetti (about ¾ of a standard box)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a meaty version)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the creamy layer:
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnis
Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling the spaghetti in salted water according to the package directions — cook it just until al dente, since it will continue baking later. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds — just until fragrant.
If you’re using ground beef or sausage, add it now and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Pour in the marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors combine.
If you prefer a meatless version, skip the beef — the sauce still turns out rich and delicious.
Mix the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese (or ricotta), sour cream, and the egg. Mix until smooth.
This layer gives the casserole a creamy, lasagna-like texture and balances the acidity of the sauce perfectly. Even people who don’t like cottage cheese usually love it baked this way — it melts into the pasta beautifully.
Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with about two-thirds of the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
Now it’s time to layer — the part that makes this casserole so good.
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the ingredients like this:
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the top and spread evenly.
- Add the remaining spaghetti and sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
You can even add a few extra dollops of sauce on top for that classic baked look.
Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you love that golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes — just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
The smell will fill your kitchen — rich, cheesy, and a little smoky from the bubbling edges.
Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This gives it time to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for color, and serve it warm with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
My Tips for Perfect Baked Spaghetti
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It will bake further, so keep it slightly firm.
- Use quality sauce. A good marinara makes all the difference — homemade or store-bought.
- Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours.
- Add vegetables. You can easily sneak in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Try different cheeses. Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or fontina can add extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
This casserole is a meal-prep dream. It stores and reheats beautifully.
- In the fridge: Keeps for 4–5 days in an airtight container.
- In the freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
It’s just as good the next day — sometimes even better after the flavors have settled together.
Why This Recipe Always Works
This casserole works because it combines the best parts of spaghetti and lasagna — it’s cheesy, layered, and deeply comforting. The sauce coats the pasta perfectly, the creamy middle adds richness, and the baked top gives that satisfying crunch.
It’s hearty enough for dinner, simple enough for busy weeknights, and special enough for gatherings. The ingredients are humble, but the result feels indulgent — the kind of food that brings everyone back for seconds.
Related Questions
1. Can I Make This Without Meat?
Yes! Simply skip the beef or sausage and use all vegetables or even lentils for a vegetarian option. The flavor is still incredible, and the texture stays rich and satisfying.
2. Can I Make It Ahead for a Party?
Absolutely. You can assemble it the day before, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving — just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
When Comfort Meets Simplicity
There’s something special about this easy baked spaghetti casserole — it’s the kind of meal that makes your home smell amazing and your table feel full. Each layer — the saucy pasta, creamy center, and gooey cheese — melts together into pure comfort.
It’s not fancy or complicated, just honest, feel-good food that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or yourself, this dish guarantees one thing: every bite will taste like a hug from the oven.
Meta Description:
This easy baked spaghetti casserole is cheesy, hearty, and full of comforting flavor. Layers of spaghetti, sauce, and creamy cheese make the perfect family dinner or meal prep dish.
