Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s a total crowd-pleaser, you’ve just stumbled onto a winner. This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly that—rich, creamy, and packed with layers of cheesy goodness that make dinner feel like a warm hug. When I first tried this dish, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to pull off something that tasted like it had been slowly simmering for hours. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe come together like old friends who just can’t wait to party on your plate. I always recommend using good-quality marinara and fresh cheeses if you can—they really make a difference!

• Spaghetti: Opt for regular spaghetti, cooked just al dente to hold up perfectly in the bake.
• Butter: Tossing the cooked pasta in butter adds richness and prevents it from sticking.
• Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
• Italian sausage: Optional, but I love the extra depth it gives—feel free to swap for all beef if you prefer.
• Onion: Finely chopped, so it softens into the sauce without standing out too much.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a punch of aroma and flavor.
• Marinara sauce: A good jarred sauce works fine; just pick one with a flavor you love to keep things simple.
• Italian seasoning: This mix keeps the flavors balanced and adds herbaceous notes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, but don’t skip seasoning—this is key for layering flavors.
• Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly into the cheesy layer.
• Ricotta cheese: Or cottage cheese if you want a lighter option; ricotta makes it extra creamy.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible, for that salty, nutty kick.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded, because what’s a baked spaghetti casserole without a gooey cheesy crust?

Variations

I love how flexible this recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it depending on what I have in the fridge or specific cravings, and each version feels like a delicious remix. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Meat Variation: When I want it a little lighter, I swap out the sausage for ground turkey—still plenty flavorful but less heavy.
• Cheese Swaps: Sometimes I add a handful of shredded cheddar for sharpness, or sprinkle a bit of fresh mozzarella over the top right before baking for an ultra-melty finish.
• Vegetarian Version: I’ve used sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead of meat for a veggie-packed twist that my family surprisingly loves.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce gives it just the right amount of heat without overpowering the cheese.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—you want it ready to go so you don’t lose any time later. Cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted boiling water until it’s al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. Once drained, toss the pasta with butter so it won’t clump together when you layer it. This little trick keeps the texture just right after baking.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Next, brown your ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to drain off the excess fat—I find it makes the sauce less greasy but still plenty flavorful. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3 minutes, then add the garlic and let it get fragrant for just a minute more. Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Let this simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Pro tip: taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning before layering so you nail the flavor balance.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. I use a spatula or hand mixer to get it silky smooth—that way, it spreads evenly and generously, creating that luscious, creamy middle layer that makes this casserole so special.

Step 4: Layer Your Casserole

Take about a cup of that meat sauce and stir it into the cooked spaghetti—this is a little trick I discovered to keep the pasta flavorful throughout. Spread half of the spaghetti in your prepared dish, then dollop and smooth the creamy cheese mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining spaghetti as a second layer, and pour the rest of the meat sauce evenly over it. The layering is what makes this casserole shine with balanced cheesy and meaty bites in every forkful.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Finish by sprinkling those beautiful shredded mozzarella cheeses over the top—I always use the full 2 cups for that perfect golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this step helps everything set so your slices hold together nicely.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a bright, fresh contrast to all that cheesy richness. I also love a little extra Parmesan grated just before serving—it amps up that savory flavor and looks beautiful.

Side Dishes

My favorite accompaniments are crunchy garlic bread and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness of the casserole and makes the meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake individual portions in ramekins topped with fresh basil leaves, making the meal feel a little more elevated and special. It’s also a great way to make guests feel like the meal was tailor-made for them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to portion leftovers into airtight containers to grab for quick lunches or an easy dinner that just needs reheating.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I usually prepare it fully in my baking dish, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I want to eat, I just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top right before finishing baking refreshes that melty cheese crust perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe turns out every single time. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is super simple to make, which I think is a winning combo. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy make-ahead meal that warms you on a busy weeknight, this casserole hits the spot. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how much your people enjoy it as much as mine do!

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