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Comforting Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with Easy Cheesy Crust

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A warm and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole that combines tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a golden mozzarella-Parmesan crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter version)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz (680 g) plain tomato sauce or marinara
  • 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, crumble and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in 24 oz (680 g) tomato sauce and 14.5 oz (411 g) drained diced tomatoes. Add 2 tsp Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, fold the cooked spaghetti into the sauce mixture until well coated.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella over the top. Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture, then top with remaining mozzarella and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan.
  8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden brown. If cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for best melting and flavor. Don’t overcook spaghetti; it will continue cooking in the oven. If cheese browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. For vegetarian version, substitute meat with lentils or sautéed vegetables. Gluten-free pasta and sauce can be used for gluten-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy crust, comfort food, easy dinner, pasta casserole, family meal, baked pasta

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/comforting-baked-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-with-easy-cheesy-crust/