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Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

A hearty and comforting Spaghetti Casserole combining perfectly cooked spaghetti with a savory beef and mushroom tomato sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for convenience.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 to 16 ounces spaghetti

Sauce and Meat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 24 ounces jar of your favorite pasta/tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
  2. Saute: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 1 minute until they start to soften. Add the ground beef and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
  3. Make the sauce: Stir in the sliced mushrooms, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and the jar of pasta/tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer covered for 15 minutes. After removing from the heat, stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh parsley to infuse the flavors.
  4. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Assemble: Start by layering one-third of the beef and sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top this with half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading evenly. Add half of the remaining beef mixture over the spaghetti. Repeat layering, finishing with the remaining beef sauce on top.
  6. Make it cheesy: In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle this evenly over the assembled casserole. You can optionally refrigerate the casserole covered for a few days or freeze for up to 2 months at this stage.
  7. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and started to brown slightly. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
  • This casserole can be assembled ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/spaghetti-casserole-recipe/