Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe because it combines that hearty comfort of classic spaghetti with the ease of a trusty casserole. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want something comforting but fuss-free. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors meld together after slow cooking, making the pasta tender and the sauce deeply flavorful without lots of last-minute work.

You’ll find that this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a fantastic crowd-pleaser and makes weeknight dinners incredibly simple. Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, which means less stress about shopping and more time enjoying time around the table. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your go-to meals, whether for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe are straightforward, but each plays an important role in creating that classic, comforting flavor. I like to use a good-quality pasta sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes for a touch of smoky sweetness that elevates the dish.

• Ground round: Lean enough to keep it from being greasy, but still flavorful to carry the dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to balance the meatiness.
• Garlic: Just a clove or two gives that essential savory kick—don’t skip it!
• Spaghetti: Breaking it into pieces is a game changer—helps it cook evenly and nestle well in the casserole.
• Tomato-and-basil pasta sauce: Pick one with herbs and good flavor, it really makes a difference.
• Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: Adds texture and a slightly smoky depth to the sauce.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A simple way to add that classic Italian flavor without fuss.
• Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a tangy richness.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top, gives that perfect finishing touch and a salty bite.

Variations

I love changing things up with this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is super adaptable and welcomes swaps with open arms.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: I tried this when I wanted a lighter version, and it worked surprisingly well without losing flavor.
• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in extra nutrients and add color.
• Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or swapping diced tomatoes for spicy salsa gave it a fun kick for my spice-loving friends.
• Cheese options: Sometimes I swap Cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses to change the richness and melt factor.

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onion

Start by cooking the ground round with the chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir it often so the beef breaks up nicely into crumble-sized pieces. When the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft, drain off any excess fat—this step really keeps the casserole from being greasy, which I learned the hard way the first time I skipped it!

Step 2: Build the Layers in Your Casserole Dish or Slow Cooker

Spoon half of your meat mixture into a greased casserole dish or slow cooker. Then sprinkle the broken spaghetti pieces evenly over the meat. Pour the rest of the meat on top, making sure it’s spread out so every bite gets that meaty goodness.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Mixture and Cheese

Mix together the pasta sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, water, and Italian seasoning. Pour this sauce over your layered spaghetti and meat. Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese on top—this cheese melts into a gooey, flavorful blanket that everyone raves about.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Let It Rest

Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours. The slow cooking turns the spaghetti tender and lets all the flavors meld beautifully. Once done, let it stand for 10 minutes before serving—this resting time helps everything set up and keeps it from being too runny when you dish it out.

How to Serve Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese right on top before serving—it adds that salty, sharp finish that the Cheddar alone can’t quite reach. Sometimes I toss on a handful of fresh basil or chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast that wakes up the whole dish.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance out all the richness. Garlic bread is another easy side I always have on hand—it’s perfect for mopping up the sauce and adds a nice crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I’ve even made individual servings in small ramekins, topping each with extra cheese and broiling for a golden crust. It’s fun, fancy-feeling, and makes every guest feel like they’re getting their own personalized comfort meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always find that the flavors deepen overnight, making the next day even tastier if you have any left!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by portioning it into freezer-safe containers before cooking, then thawing and cooking it slowly on low. Freezing after baking works too—just reheat gently so the pasta doesn’t get mushy. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I like to warm it in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture in. You can also microwave it covered for a quicker option, but I prefer the oven to maintain texture and flavor without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings people together with minimal effort. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of casual dinners filled with laughter and full bellies. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a comforting, reliable meal that feels both homemade and special. Give it a try—I bet you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation sooner than you think!

Print