Comforting Baked Spaghetti Casserole
A quick and easy baked spaghetti casserole with cheesy, savory layers that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, whole milk preferred
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, part-skim
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 cups marinara sauce with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour half of this sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss gently to coat evenly.
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread half of the sauced spaghetti into the baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the top and spread gently with the back of a spoon.
- Add the remaining spaghetti layer, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and spread to cover.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Check after 20 minutes to avoid burning; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to help it set.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent sogginess. Beat the egg well before mixing with ricotta for smooth texture. Watch baking time closely to avoid burning the cheese top; cover with foil if needed. Rest casserole before serving for better texture. Freshly grated Parmesan improves flavor and melt. Optional meat additions include cooked Italian sausage or ground beef. For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and sauce. Slow cooker method: cook on low for 3-4 hours covered.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the cas
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, baked pasta, spaghetti bake