Baked Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty baked spaghetti casserole combining savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the onion, green pepper, celery, and ground beef in a skillet.
- Add Ragu sauce, catsup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano to the beef mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente.
- Grease a baking dish.
- Layer cooked spaghetti in the dish, then spread half of the spaghetti sauce over it.
- Repeat the layers with remaining spaghetti and sauce.
- Top with shredded sharp cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic powder and oregano to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use marinara sauce instead of Ragu for a different taste. To enhance the dish, feel free to mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple coleslaw. For those who enjoy a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish. Explore more American recipes for additional sides to complement this hearty casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 591 calories, with 29g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2340mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of sharp cheese?
You can substitute sharp cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor, or use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Additionally, adding some Parmesan on top before baking can provide a nice flavor boost.
Can I freeze the baked spaghetti casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply add 15-20 minutes to the baking time. If baked, allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).