Erin'S Favorite Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty and cheesy spaghetti casserole combining ground beef, onions, and flavorful sauce, topped with melted mozzarella—perfect for weeknight family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles until done in boiling water, then drain.
- While noodles are cooking, brown hamburger and onion until browned.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the hamburger and onion mixture.
- Layer cooked noodles in the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the hamburger spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the spaghetti sauce mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you don't have Ragu, any jarred spaghetti sauce will work, or make your own with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This dish is similar to Best Potato Casserole in its comforting, hearty nature.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a hearty main dish that pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables, like Zesty Broccoli Salad, for a balanced meal. For a more filling side, consider serving it alongside Make Ahead Baked Beans. It’s also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can easily be doubled to serve more people.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but for best results, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Erin'S Favorite Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 720 calories, with 42g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1276mg per serving (55% 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 use a different type of pasta in this casserole?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you're using. The key is to cook it until al dente before layering it in the casserole.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the hamburger with a meat substitute like lentils, mushrooms, or a store-bought meat alternative. Just sauté the vegetables until they are tender before mixing them with the sauce to maintain flavor and texture.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
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).