Mom'S Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty and comforting spaghetti casserole layered with savory meat, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, mix butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the mixture and toss to coat well.
- Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a large saucepan, brown the ground chuck over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic to the meat as it begins to cook.
- Cook until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender, then drain off excess fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, sugar, and oregano into the meat mixture.
- Spread cottage cheese evenly over the spaghetti layer in the pan.
- Top with the meat mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked spaghetti or even swap it for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. For a creamier texture, blend cottage cheese with a little milk before spreading it over the spaghetti layer.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a twist, serve with a fruit salad like Family Orange Jello Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 1164 calories, with 31g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (84% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2716mg per serving (118% 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 assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for ground chuck?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground chuck. If you prefer a meatless option, you can substitute with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative to make it vegetarian.
Can I freeze the spaghetti casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).