Baked Spaghetti Casserole
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8
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Calories
389 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Description
The Baked Spaghetti Casserole uses cooked spaghetti mixed with a beef-based tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. The sauce incorporates diced tomatoes and jarred spaghetti sauce, simmered shortly to blend flavors and soften the tomatoes. Mixing the pasta back into the sauce ensures the noodles are evenly coated and moist.
The casserole is assembled by spreading the sauced pasta in a baking dish, topping with shredded mozzarella and optional Parmesan cheeses, then baked until the cheese is melted and golden. This creates a contrast of tender pasta and a gratin-like cheese crust, adding richness and a pleasing texture.
Serve garnished with parsley or basil for freshness. This casserole works well as a main dish for casual dinners and can yield leftovers that reheat easily.
Leftover casserole should be refrigerated promptly and consumed within a few days to maintain safety and quality. Proper storage is advised to prevent spoilage.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce spaghetti (a package of spaghetti is about 14 oz, I didn't use the whole package but feel free to use it all)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 24 ounce spaghetti sauce (1 jar of your favorite kind)
- 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain but reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook Sauce: In a deep skillet or sauce pan cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, stir and cook until aromatic. Add add the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, reserved pasta water and stir. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Bake: Stir in the spaghetti. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish, then top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Refrigerate promptly after serving; discard leftovers left out over 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 389 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 389kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 62mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 802mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 681mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 650IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 239mg | 24% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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